• by Teresa Buyikian , August 8, 2024

Today the bakery-café chain announced it has appointed Mark Shambura as its new CMO, heading all marketing at Panera, including brand-building, digital and loyalty, product strategy and consumer insights.

Per the release, Shambura reports directly to CEO José Alberto Dueñas, effective as of July 29 when Shambura joined.

Shambura was previously CMO at Papa Johns, which he joined in April 2023. Per the Panera announcement, he “led a revitalization of the (Papa Johns) brand by enhancing its iconic "Better Ingredients, Better Pizza" platform, and developed a more modern, innovative omnichannel approach to transform how Papa Johns appealed to both new and loyal consumers.”

"Mark brings an impressive background building brands and leading marketing teams for fast-casual restaurants," said Dueñas, in the release. "As Panera continues to evolve our brand, guided by listening to our guests, Mark's depth of experience and ability will help drive our growth as a brand that serves great food you feel good about eating."

During Shambura’s time at Papa Johns, the company released a trippy, surrealistic TV campaign by The Martin Agency. His Panera role comes on the heels of the appointment of a new CEO at Papa Johns.

Prior to Papa Johns, Shambura was the CMO of MOD Pizza for over four years, which was recently sold to Elite Restaurant Group, owner of family-dining Marie Callender's, Mediterranean concepts Daphne’s and Noon Mediterranean and cupcake chain Gigi’s Cupcakes, among others.

Earlier in his career Shambura served as executive director at Chipotle, “providing leadership over brand strategy, advertising, digital, social, events/sponsorships, promotions, and field marketing,” per the release.