Earl Ellis Takes the Helm as Chief Financial Officer at Panera Bread

Panera Bread Welcomes Earl Ellis as Chief Financial Officer

ST. LOUIS, October 20, 2025 — In a significant move for the fast casual dining giant, Panera Bread has officially announced the appointment of Earl Ellis as their Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. This change marks a pivotal moment for the brand, as it gears up to enhance its financial strategies and expand its market presence.

Earl Ellis joins Panera at a crucial time in the company’s evolution, where strong fiscal leadership is essential. Reporting directly to CEO Paul Carbone, Ellis will take his place among the executive leadership team, leveraging his extensive background in finance to catalyze Panera’s growth trajectory. Carbone expressed enthusiasm about Ellis's addition, noting, "Earl is a proven finance leader who blends disciplined financial stewardship with an owner's mindset. His extensive experience in scaling complex multi-brand organizations and leading successful transformations will be invaluable in our pursuit of long-term, profitable growth."

A Proven Track Record

Before joining Panera, Ellis held the position of Executive Vice President and CFO at ABM Industries, a Fortune 500 facility services company. Overseeing global finance operations, he managed a robust portfolio that included over $8 billion in annual revenue. His influential role at ABM saw him not only guiding day-to-day financial operations but also shaping strategic planning, leading major transformations, and spearheading initiatives that bridged the gap between finance and overall business strategy.

Ellis has had an illustrious career, with previous senior finance roles at well-known corporations such as Best Buy, where he was CFO for Best Buy Canada, and other prominent companies including Canadian Tire, Campbell Soup Company, Kraft Foods, and Coca-Cola. His experience spans diverse sectors, providing him with a unique perspective that he will bring to Panera.

A Vision for the Future

Expressing his excitement about this new role, Ellis stated, "I am honored to join Panera at such an energizing moment for the brand. The company’s strong foundation and iconic reputation offer an extraordinary platform for growth. I look forward to collaborating with Paul and the leadership team to advance our strategy and deliver sustainable long-term growth that benefits everyone involved, from team members to franchisees."

The transition in leadership comes as Panera Bread aims to sharpen its focus and build on its core values. Since its inception in 1987, Panera has excelled in creating not just a dining experience, but a community atmosphere centered around sharing quality meals. With over 2,200 locations across 48 states and into Canada, the brand is on a mission to elevate its guest experience while ensuring that its beloved menu retains the high standard that customers have come to expect.

What Lies Ahead

This appointment of Earl Ellis signifies not only a fresh start for Panera’s financial strategies but also a reaffirmation of their commitment to delivering on key corporate values. With a focus on building empowered teams and inspiring communities, the company aims to continue to be America's kitchen table, offering delicious, chef-curated recipes crafted with care.

The journey towards growth is set to be an exciting one, as Ellis strives to embrace Panera’s vision and launch the company into its next phase of success—all while keeping the heart of the brand in mind: providing wholesome food that families can enjoy together.

For more updates on Panera's initiatives and menu offerings, you can visit Panera Bread’s official website or follow them on various social media platforms.