10 Panera Bread leaders in new roles in 2026
Each of these ten Panera Bread leaders in new roles in 2026 started their current role this year, from vice presidents of operations and a chief marketing officer to directors of retail operations, strategy and technology deployments. A reader can learn how Panera Bread leaders approach a role they started in 2026 from people who hold one now.
Professionals to explore
Amber Cales
LinkedInExperience: Regional Vice President of Operations · Panera Bread
Amber Cales has been Regional Vice President of Operations at Panera Bread since September 2026, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Amber Cales also lists Regional Operations Leader at Starbucks from 2025, and was SVP, Human Resources at Best Buy from 2020 to 2024 and Territory Senior Vice President at Best Buy from 2019 to 2020.
Andrew Rebhun
LinkedInExperience: Chief Marketing Officer · Panera Bread
Andrew Rebhun has been Chief Marketing Officer at Panera Bread since August 2026, based in Boston, Massachusetts. Andrew Rebhun was also Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at CAVA from 2023 to 2026 and Chief Marketing Officer at El Pollo Loco, Inc. from 2021 to 2023.
Gina Bryant
LinkedInExperience: Director, Strategy & Transformation · Panera Bread
Gina Bryant has been Director, Strategy & Transformation at Panera Bread since January 2026, based in Greater St. Louis. Gina Bryant also lists Director, New Product Development & Commercialization at Panera Bread from 2022 and Transformation Director at Panera Brands from December 2025, and was Director Strategic Sourcing at Panera Brands in 2025.
Jennifer Rymer
LinkedInExperience: Director of Retail Operations · Panera Bread
Jennifer Rymer has been Director of Retail Operations at Panera Bread since February 2026, based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in the Operations department. Jennifer Rymer was also licensed store district manager at Starbucks from 2013 to 2025 and district manager at Starbucks from 2007 to 2013.
Joseph Shapiro
LinkedInExperience: Vice President Operations Strategy · Panera Bread
Joseph Shapiro has been Vice President Operations Strategy at Panera Bread since May 2026, based in Oak Park, Illinois. At Panera Bread, Joseph Shapiro was also Vice President of Deployment & Program Management from 2016 to 2026, Vice President of Operation Services from 2012 to 2016 and Director of Operation Services from 2007 to 2012.
Kevin McNally
LinkedInExperience: Head of Final Mile Distribution and Logistics · Panera Bread
Kevin McNally has been Head of Final Mile Distribution and Logistics at Panera Bread since October 2026, based in Greater Boston. Kevin McNally also lists Regional Manager at Amazon from 2022, and was Supply Chain Manager at Amazon from 2020 to 2022 and Manager, Supply Chain Strategy & Procurement at Wayfair from 2017 to 2020.
Matt Atkinson
LinkedInExperience: Vice President Operations · Panera Bread
Matt Atkinson has been Vice President Operations at Panera Bread since February 2026, based in Boise, Idaho. At Panera Bread, Matt Atkinson was also Regional Vice President from 2020 to 2026 and Director, Joint Venture Partner from 2014 to 2020, and was Regional Manager at Buffalo Wild Wings from 2010 to 2014.
Michael Faga
LinkedInExperience: Regional Vice President of Operations · Panera Bread
Michael Faga has been Regional Vice President of Operations at Panera Bread since June 2026, based in North Arlington, New Jersey. At Panera Bread, Michael Faga was also East Division - Interim Regional Vice President in 2026, Director, Retail Operations from 2019 to 2026 and Area Operating Partner from 2016 to 2019.
Pamela Brizida-Fraga
LinkedInExperience: Director - Technology Deployments · Panera Bread
Pamela Brizida-Fraga has been Director - Technology Deployments at Panera Bread since February 2026, based in Greater Boston. Pamela Brizida-Fraga was also Senior Manager Infrastructure at UNFI from 2022 to 2026, Senior IT Product Manager at Inspire from 2021 to 2022 and IT Manager at Dunkin' from 2013 to 2022.
Sheri Rene Steiner
LinkedInExperience: Director of Retail Operations · Panera Bread
Sheri Rene Steiner has been Director of Retail Operations at Panera Bread since January 2026, based in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, responsible for creating the strategy and vision for the market. Sheri Rene Steiner was also District Manager-Licensed Stores at Starbucks from 2010 to 2025.
Choose the right perspective
Match the person's function and scope to your question, since a regional operations leader and a strategy or technology director see different parts of the business. People whose role started earliest in the year have had the most time in it.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01What did you focus on in your first months in your current role?
- 02Which parts of your past roles have been most useful in the role you hold now?
- 03How do you decide which priorities to take on first when you start a new leadership role?
Reaching Panera Bread leaders in new roles in 2026
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About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot; roles marked former had ended by then. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.