Panera Bread has announced the appointment of Santhosh Kumar as its new Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective February 12. Kumar, a seasoned IT executive with vast experience in digital transformation, will report directly to Interim CEO Paul Carbone. In his new role, he will spearhead the company’s technology division, overseeing the implementation, integration, and advancement of digital solutions across more than 2,200 Panera locations.
Interim CEO Paul Carbone expressed enthusiasm about Kumar joining the team, emphasizing his strategic expertise and proven leadership in technology-driven innovation. “Santhosh brings a strong combination of industry knowledge and technical experience, making him a valuable addition to Panera Bread’s leadership,” Carbone stated. “His ability to build high-performing teams will be instrumental in driving the company’s continued growth.”
Kumar acknowledged Panera’s reputation as a pioneer in restaurant technology and expressed his excitement about contributing to the brand’s commitment to seamless digital experiences. He highlighted the importance of maintaining efficiency for both customers and employees, reinforcing Panera’s focus on operational excellence.
Before joining Panera Bread, Kumar played a pivotal role at United Natural Food, Inc. (UNFI), where he spearheaded a large-scale warehouse transformation initiative. His efforts in cloud migration and modernization significantly boosted operational efficiency and reduced costs. Prior to his tenure at UNFI, Kumar spent over two decades at Dunkin’ Brands, Inc., where he held leadership positions in IT. As Senior Vice President, he led global digital innovation projects, including the rollout of next-generation point-of-sale systems and the launch of Dunkin’s customer loyalty program.
With Kumar at the helm of Panera’s technology division, the company aims to further enhance its digital capabilities and streamline operations, reinforcing its commitment to innovation in the fast-casual dining industry.
