Panera Bread has hired Mark Shambura, former CMO of Papa Johns, as chief marketing officer.
Shambura will oversee all of the QSR company’s marketing efforts including brand building, digital and loyalty, as well as consumer insights.
“I’m proud to join the Panera Bread team and excited to build on the momentum of the brand’s transformation as it continues to evolve in service of our guests,” Shambura said, in a statement. “Panera propelled and cemented its position at the top of the fast casual restaurant segment through its promise of high-quality ingredients and freshly prepared food, and I’m thrilled to join a highly talented team to help shape its next chapter.”
As CMO of Papa Johns, Shambura is credited with building the pizza chain’s “Better Ingredients, Better Pizza” platform and transforming the company’s digital ordering and loyalty programs. As executive director at Chipotle, Shambura spearheaded the company’s “Real Ingredients” brand strategy.
In his new role at Panera, Shambura will report directly to company CEO José Alberto Dueñas. He officially started the new position on July 29, 2024.
