Staffing

Paris Baguette shakes up leadership team

Photo: Paris Baguette

January 18, 2024

Koria-based Paris Baguette, which opened 43 cafes across the U.S. and Canada and signed over 100 franchises in 2023, is kicking off the new year with five internal promotions to round out the leadership team.

"2023 was an incredible year for growth in the Paris Baguette system, and with another big year ahead of us, it was only fitting to both celebrate these successes and prepare for ongoing growth by recognizing those who have played crucial roles all along," CEO Darren Tipton said in a company press release. "The team at Paris Baguette is a huge part of what makes us who we are, and these five truly embody our Brand Values."

The promotions include:

• Saeyong Park, who is transitioning from VP of Finance and Accounting to CFO has been with Paris Baguette for nine years having led corporate strategy as well as strategic planning. Saeyong brings his experience to the table having spent several years with Paris Baguette's parent company, SPC Group headquartered in South Korea.
• Michelle Jagroop has taken on the role of chief people officer and was previously the VP of Human Resources and training. She has been with Paris Baguette for five years and brings 25 years of human resources experience from multiple retail brands including Bowlero, Macy's and Liz Claiborne.
• Nick Scaccio has transitioned to COO with nearly 20 years of operations experience and three years with Paris Baguette. During his time at Paris Baguette, Nick hwas VP of Revenue and Strategic Development, as well as VP of Operations.
• Eric Galkin has transitioned from VP of Supply Chain Management to Chief Supply Chain Officer, with three decades of experience in several high-end procurement and supply chain operations. He's led initiatives for multiple organizations including OTG Management, Delaware North's patina restaurant group and farm-to-table pioneer distributor D'artagnan Inc.
• Cathy Chavenet has stepped into the role of CMO after previously leading marketing and culinary initiatives as SVP and head of Marketing at Paris Baguette. She has extensive experience with major QSR brands such as Dunkin' and the Wendy's Company and has owned and operated her own French bakery & cafe locations in New York as well as internationally in Paris, France.

In 2023, Tipton also welcomed Eric Lavinder to the system as chief development officer and added in-house General Counsel Kyle Chung to further support the growth of the Paris Baguette system.

"At Paris Baguette, community is at our core," Tipton said. "We believe it's the people that make the experience that much sweeter. As we continue to grow, we will hold fast to our Brand Values. I have full confidence that this leadership team will champion our vision as we continue to build and scale across North America."

Paris Baguette has over 4,000 units across the globe.