Signaling change to come, Panera Bread on Wednesday announced the hire of Nikka Copeland as the new senior vice president of the newly created office of transformation & strategy.
Copeland, who served previously as senior vice president, business services domain lead at global energy company World Kinect, is tasked with managing the strategic execution of Panera’s three-year growth plan, driving “business model clarity” that the company said will be instrumental as the brand transforms.
For more than 20 years, Copeland has worked across multiple industries leading complex global transformations, unlocking performance and scaling growth, the company said. Before World Kinect, she held finance and strategy positions at National Grid, Aflac and Burger King Corp.
She will report to Panera CEO Paul Carbone.
Nikka Copeland. |Photo courtesy of Panera Bread
“I look forward to working closely with Nikka as we develop and execute our strategic plan to build a culture of highly engaged and empowered teams, deliver an exceptional guest experience and increase franchisee profitability,” said Carbone, in a statement. “Nikka brings a wealth of experience in finance, strategy and operations that will prove invaluable as we create the blueprint to scale and grow Panera for the future.”
Panera is part of Panera Brands, including Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels. The group is owned by Europe-based conglomerate JAB Holding.
Fast-casual Panera Bread has been going through significant change over the past two years, with multiple board and leadership changes. Carbone was named CEO in March and has promised a three-year turnaround.
The chain is in the process of shuttering all its fresh dough facilities, and shifting bread making to third-party bakers. Last year, the bakery-café chain began a comprehensive menu overhaul.
As of early June, Panera Bread had 2,197 units, both company and franchised, in 48 states, Washington, D.C. and Canada.
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