Staffing

Panera hires chief legal officer

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May 2, 2022

Panera Bread has hired Marlene M. Gordon as SVP and chief legal officer. With over 20 years of industry experience, Gordon joins Panera from Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., where she most recently served as SVP, chief administrative officer, general counsel and secretary.

"We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Marlene as she joins the executive team as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary for both Panera Brands and Panera Bread," Panera CEO Niren Chaudhary said in a company press release. "Having a leader of Marlene's caliber on board will support us during this exciting time for our portfolio of brands and expand our best-in-class executive team."

During her tenure at Fresh Del Monte, Gordon was a member of the company's global leadership team and was instrumental in the redesign and deployment of the company's new vision, values, 5-year strategic objectives, global operational priorities and go-to-market plan, according to the release.

She's also held high-level roles at Bacardi, Burger King Corporation, Republic Industries Inc. and Blockbuster Entertainment Group.

"I'm excited to join Panera Brands at such a transformational time," she said in the release. "There are countless opportunities where I can dive in and add value, between Panera's growth strategy for its complementary and iconic brands, the company's focus on innovation and its people-first culture. I am thrilled to start working alongside Niren, the leadership team, and all of our associates in achieving the company's business objectives and taking the company to the next level."