ST. LOUIS — Panera Bread Company has named Drew Madsen, former president and COO of Orlando, Fla.-based Darden Restaurants Inc., president, effective May 11. He will join new EVP Ken Koziol, who previously worked as an EVP at Oak Brook, Ill.-based McDonald’s.
“We are excited to welcome Drew and Ken to Panera, rounding out the strongest senior leadership team we’ve ever had,” said Ron Shaich, chairman and CEO of the St. Louis-based chain. “This is a pivotal time for Panera as we continue to make progress on initiatives to make Panera a better competitive alternative with expanded growth opportunities. Both Drew and Ken are talented and accomplished executives who will augment our organizational capabilities as we work to improve the guest experience through Panera 2.0.”
Madsen will report to Shaich and will oversee the core café business, while Shaich focuses on strategy, growth initiatives and innovation across the company. Koziol will oversee a range of café support functions.
