Panera Bread appoints Mark Shambura as Chief Marketing Officer

Chief Marketing Officer Mark Shambura | Photo credit: Panera Bread

US coffee and food-to-go chain Panera Bread has appointed former Papa Johns and MOD Pizza marketing executive Mark Shambura as its new Chief Marketing Officer.  
 

Shambura will lead all aspects of marketing at Panera Bread, including brand and product development, consumer insights and digital loyalty. The brand’s loyalty scheme, MyPanera, currently has 52 million members and offers customers early access to new products and exclusive discounts. Paying subscribers can also access Panera’s in-store Sip Club beverage subscription. 

In a press release, Panera Bread said Shambura led the ‘revitalisation’ of the Papa Johns brand during his 18 months as the restaurant chain’s Chief Marketing Officer, including developing a more modern, innovative omnichannel approach to transform how the fast-food chain appealed to new and existing customers. 

“Mark brings an impressive background building brands and leading marketing teams for fast-casual restaurants, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to Panera Bread. As Panera continues to evolve our brand, Mark’s depth of experience and ability will help drive our growth as a brand that serves great food you feel good about eating,” said José Alberto Dueñas, CEO of parent company Panera Brands.  

Panera Bread’s marketing responsibilities had previously been held by Chief Brand Officer Eduardo Luz, who left the business to become CEO at P.F. Chang’s in October 2023. 

Founded in 1987, Panera Bread operates more than 2,100 outlets across North America. The coffee and food-to-go chain is part of JAB Holding-managed coffee and food-to-go group Panera Brands, which also includes Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels. 

In July 2024, Panera Brands was reportedly exploring the sale of Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels for a combined $1.5bn.