News

Former Starbucks exec named Pret A Manger's U.S. president

September 25, 2013

Pret A Manger has announced Robert Naylor as president of U.S. operations. Naylor comes to Pret with more than 30 years of retail experience, most recently having overseen operations for both Starbucks Asia Pacific and Starbucks France. With oversight of Pret's U.S. locations, Naylor will also focus on the company's expansion.

Prior to Starbucks, Naylor served as Managing Director to Pret A Manger Asia.

Currently, Pret has more than 300 locations, mostly in the U.K., as well as in Paris and Hong Kong. The first Pret shop was opened in the U.S. in 2000 and has since expanded to 53 locations throughout New York City, Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Boston. According to a news release, Pret's short-term goal for growth and expansion is to double the number of U.S. stores.

"We are thrilled to welcome Rob to the Pret family once again," said Clive Schlee, CEO of Pret A Manger. "We know his incredible experience will serve Pret well during this amazing period of growth in which we're now a significant player in the premium and natural quick-serve category."

In addition to overseeing the brand's expansion, under Naylor's guidance, Pret A Manger will continue to introduce new products into its U.S. menu. Most recently Pret has expanded its sandwich line and relaunched its salads earlier in the summer.

"While Pret is a global brand, we're really empowered on a local level to meet the needs and preferences of our U.S. customers. I want Pret to continue to be an industry leader in this space, by consistently upgrading ingredients and menu items to ensure incremental deliciousness," Naylor said.

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