Panera Brands – parent of Panera Bread, Caribou Coffee, and Einstein Bros – has named its CFO Paul Carbone as interim CEO, effective this month. 

The move follows the resignation of José Alberto Duenas, who will assist in the transition as special advisor to the CEO until the end of March.

Carbone, who joined Panera last year, brings extensive experience in the restaurant and retail sectors, including his previous role as CFO of Dunkin’ Brands. 

Patrick Grismer, board chair of Panera Brands, praised Carbone as a “well-respected industry veteran” and expressed enthusiasm for continued collaboration in advancing the company’s strategies.

“I look forward to continue working with him as he assumes the role of interim CEO and advances our strategies to strengthen Panera further and ignite new-unit development,” Grismer added.

“Our board fully supports the current strategic direction of Panera and expects the Company to stay the course on execution.”

As interim CEO, Carbone will lead the company while the Panera board of directors conducts a comprehensive search for a permanent CEO, considering internal and external candidates.