Staffing

Former McDonald's exec joins Panera as chief of staff

Panera Bread has hired Lauren Cody, a former McDonald's executive, as chief of staff and chief customer officer. Provided

September 30, 2020

Panera Bread has hired Lauren Cody, a former McDonald's executive, as chief of staff and chief customer officer.

"It's an exciting time at Panera and we are very pleased to have Lauren join us as chief of staff and chief customer officer, reporting directly to me," Panera CEO Niren Chaudhary said in a company press release. "Panera is a brand that puts our guests first, and with Lauren driving strategy at the helm of our customer care division, we are excited to continue toward becoming one of the most customer-responsive brands in the industry."

During Cody's 13-year tenure at McDonald's, she took on executive positions including managing director for the Norwegian market, VP of strategy and insights for the U.K. as well as her most recent role of corporate VP, where she handled consumer and business insights globally.

"To join the executive team at Panera at such a pivotal time in our industry is an exciting challenge," Cody said in the release. "Customers are consistently raising the bar for their favorite brands and Panera is well-positioned to exceed our guest expectations. I look forward to helping drive the strategy as Panera continues its tradition of innovation and leadership in the food industry."