Panera Bread’s New Chief Marketing Officer Mark Shambura Will Build on the Brand’s Customer-Centric Traditions

Since opening its first bakery-cafe in 1987, the casual dining icon now known as Panera Bread has always been a customer-forward brand. Its central mission — keeping guests satisfied by offering good food for great value — is more important than ever these days.

Panera Bread recently welcomed veteran marketing executive Mark Shambura to the company fold, where he has taken on the mantle of chief marketing officer. As such, Shambura has officially been tasked with guiding the gamut of Panera’s wide-ranging marketing initiatives, from brand-building and digital/loyalty programs to product strategy and consumer insights. While Shambura’s tactical plans are broad in scope, his focus remains singular: At Panera Bread, the customer always comes first. Enhancing the guest experience is the prime directive.

Embracing Change While Remaining True to the Brand

Shambura specializes in transformative marketing initiatives that elevate the guest experience and create opportunities for broader consumer awareness while remaining true to the brand’s essential core identity. His savvy instincts and expertise have consistently fueled measurably dramatic growth at the companies for which he’s worked.

Before taking the helm of Panera Bread’s marketing division, Shambura honed his impressive skills in the restaurant space with high-profile roles at Chipotle, MOD Pizza, and Papa Johns. Shambura was responsible for implementing marketing measures that greatly enhanced recognition for each of these well-established brands. Prior to his work in the restaurant trade, Shambura spent more than a decade refining his marketing craft at cutting-edge agencies that served a broad range of consumer brands.

Panera Bread: An Evolution Guided by Innovation and Guest Feedback

Panera Bread CEO José Alberto Dueñas looks forward to Shambura’s contributions with high expectations. “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,” Dueñas enthused. “As Panera continues to evolve our brand, guided by listening to our guests, Mark’s depth of experience and ability will help drive our growth as a brand that serves great food you feel good about eating.”

Panera Bread’s commitment to its loyal patrons has always informed the trajectory of the brand’s forward momentum and growth. With improved guest satisfaction ever its goal, customer feedback will continue to shape Panera Bread’s future of great things to come. Mark Shambura is committed to keeping that tradition alive.

“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,” he said. “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.”