Einstein Bros. Bagels Enhances Leadership Team to Drive Nationwide Expansion

Einstein Bros. Bagels, the largest retail bagel chain in the United States, is set to propel its growth with three significant executive appointments aimed at strengthening its leadership and expanding its nationwide presence. The new executives include Patrick Waldron as Chief Development Officer, Shawna Fehrman-Lee as Chief People Officer, and Will Evans as Chief Financial Officer. These strategic hires are expected to lead the brand towards achieving its ambitious goal of opening 300 new bakeries in the next three years.

The Executive Lineup: A Vision for Growth

Patrick Waldron - Chief Development Officer

Patrick Waldron brings over 15 years of valuable experience from renowned organizations such as Amazon, Whole Foods Market, and JLL. He previously held the position of Director of Business Operations for Amazon’s Worldwide Grocery, where he played an integral role in constructing the Amazon Fresh real estate framework, contributing to the opening of more than 60 stores. As the new Chief Development Officer at Einstein Bros., Waldron will be responsible for driving disciplined expansion and modernizing development processes. His goal is to identify innovative opportunities and ensure that every new bakery contributes to the brand's long-term vision of reaching 1,000 locations.

Shawna Fehrman-Lee - Chief People Officer

Joining the team is Shawna Fehrman-Lee, who has spent nearly a decade at HelloFresh, leading a global team across 16 countries with a workforce of over 20,000 employees. Fehrman-Lee will implement a robust people strategy at Einstein Bros., focusing on nurturing talent and fostering a thriving workplace culture. Her role underscores the brand's commitment to supporting its employees as they navigate this significant period of growth.

Will Evans - Chief Financial Officer

Bringing extensive financial expertise, Will Evans is expected to make a significant impact on Einstein Bros.' financial strategies. His career spans public accounting at EY, serving as CFO at La Colombe, and supporting Zoës Kitchen during its initial public offering. In his current role, Evans will oversee the financial operations and strategies of the company, establishing a disciplined, insight-driven foundation necessary for sustainable growth and long-term success.

Commitment to Excellence

Jessica DePetro, the CEO of Einstein Bros. Bagels, expressed her enthusiasm about the new appointments, stating, “Patrick, Shawna, and Will are accomplished leaders who understand how to scale complex organizations while prioritizing people, operational discipline, and long-term value.