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Panera Bread appoints industry veteran Andy Rebhun as Chief Marketing Officer, ushering in a new era of brand growth and consumer engagement.

Panera Bread has ushered in a new chapter for its rapidly evolving brand with the appointment of Andy Rebhun as Chief Marketing Officer. Poised to drive innovation and customer engagement across the board, Rebhun steps into his leadership role at a pivotal moment, with a mandate to advance marketing, creative initiatives, menu innovation, and digital loyalty efforts. Restaurant owners and managers watching Panera’s trajectory will recognize the strategic importance of this move, as the company looks to leverage deep industry experience to drive both guest loyalty and operational growth.
Andy Rebhun brings a distinguished track record from industry standouts including CAVA, El Pollo Loco, and McDonald’s. His expertise centers on building iconic brands, driving digital transformation, and elevating customer experience - critical skills for growing restaurant businesses in a digital-first era. At CAVA, he played a central role in national expansion and guest experience innovation; at El Pollo Loco, he was instrumental in marketing and loyalty program acceleration. Rebhun’s forward-thinking approach is set to solidify Panera’s relevance among both loyal patrons and new audiences, signaling to the greater foodservice community the value of adaptive, data-driven marketing.
Rebhun's appointment underscores the competitive landscape and the need for fresh leadership in a market where customer expectations and digital touchpoints are constantly evolving. His vision for synchronized growth across in-store and online channels will resonate with restaurant operators searching for ways to deepen engagement and streamline the guest journey. As Panera continues to evolve its menu and digital offerings under Rebhun’s guidance, restaurants of all sizes can look to this transition as an example of how strategic marketing leadership can help navigate industry transformation.
This executive transition also marks the departure of Mark Shambura, whose leadership fueled Panera’s brand refresh and bold menu innovations. Acknowledging Shambura’s role in laying the groundwork for Panera’s RISE strategy, the brand now looks ahead to continued growth and innovation under new guidance. Restaurant leaders watching this shift should take note of the importance of visionary marketing in adapting to evolving consumer preferences and driving sustained relevance in the fast-casual category.
Panera Bread’s CMO transition offers a clear message for restaurant owners and managers - change is not just inevitable, it’s essential for survival and growth. By prioritizing innovation in marketing, digital loyalty, and guest experience, brands put themselves in the best position to ride the waves of consumer trends and operational shifts. Following Panera’s example, now’s the time to evaluate your own marketing leadership and readiness to adapt quickly - because in today’s market, agility means opportunity.
As major brands like Panera Bread reshape their leadership teams, keep an eye on how these moves affect the competitive landscape and what takeaways you can apply to your own restaurant. For more insights on restaurant marketing, operations, and technology, subscribe to our newsletter and stay ahead of industry trends.