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Panera Bread welcomes Andrew Rebhun as its new CMO to spearhead strategic brand growth and transformation, bolstering its vision for 2028.

Panera Bread has announced a pivotal leadership change, welcoming Andrew Rebhun as chief marketing officer effective August 17, 2026. Rebhun arrives at a critical time as Panera ramps up its ongoing brand transformation efforts and sets its sights on an ambitious 2028 growth roadmap. Reporting to CEO Paul Carbone, Rebhun will oversee the full spectrum of marketing - from creative strategy and digital innovation to loyalty programs and media management. His appointment signals Panera’s continued commitment to reinvigorating its customer experience and positioning itself for long-term success in the competitive fast-casual segment.
Industry experts will recognize Andrew Rebhun for his extensive work leading marketing initiatives at Cava, El Pollo Loco, and McDonald’s. At Cava, his tenure as chief marketing and experience officer saw the Mediterranean chain thriving, even while operating on a lean marketing budget. Panera’s leadership cites Rebhun’s knowledge in brand development, customer loyalty, and growth strategy as exactly what’s needed to continue energizing the company’s new RISE transformation plan. For restaurant operators and managers, such C-suite moves serve as inspiration and a reminder - strategic leadership is a key ingredient in the recipe for sustainable growth. As Panera advances toward its goal of reaching $7 billion in systemwide sales by 2028, all eyes are on how these marketing innovations will translate to lasting customer engagement and real bottom-line results.
Rebhun succeeds Mark Shambura, who led Panera’s recent menu innovation, branding evolution, and the adoption of its RISE strategy. Shambura previously brought his marketing expertise from Papa Johns and MOD Pizza, helping Panera introduce bold campaigns such as its “It Just Meals Good” rebranding and new sit-down dining focus. These efforts have already begun to shift consumer perceptions and, when paired with fresh leadership, set the tone for Panera’s next era of expansion. For restaurant leaders, Panera’s direction offers a timely lesson in the value of staying agile while tapping seasoned talent to elevate both internal teams and external messaging.
Under its evolving strategy, Panera is doubling down on the café experience and creative menu marketing, drawing inspiration from digital partnerships and value-driven offerings. The company’s collaboration with content creator Jake Shane on a mix-and-match value menu is just the latest example of engagement-focused initiatives designed to appeal to today’s digitally native consumers. Operators should pay close attention - balancing innovation with operational excellence can support growth, attract new audiences, and strengthen guest loyalty - all critical levers in a rapidly changing industry landscape.
Panera Bread’s leadership transition is a masterclass in recognizing when to evolve and invest in marketing talent. As the fast-casual segment becomes more crowded and dynamic, restaurants of all sizes need to prioritize strategic hires, innovative brand positioning, and guest-centric digital experiences to drive results. Now is the time for owners and managers to review their own growth strategies - taking bold steps to remain relevant can shape both immediate customer interactions and future industry leadership. With compelling new direction at the top, Panera’s story is one to watch closely as a blueprint for transformation and resilient growth in the hospitality sector.
As Panera ushers in new marketing leadership, the potential for innovation in customer experience, digital outreach, and value proposition is high. Restaurant owners and managers should monitor how Panera leverages executive expertise to drive systemwide transformation while remaining agile in a marketplace that demands creativity and speed. Taking a page from their playbook could prove invaluable for those seeking to carve out a stronger competitive position in 2026 and beyond.