Pret a Manger chief executive to step down
Pret a Manger chief executive Clive Schlee is to step down in September although he will remain with the company as a non-executive director.
He will be replaced by Pano Christou who is currently the company’s chief operating officer.
Schlee has been credited with helping Pret become a billion-pound business with over 550 shops in nine markets. He also oversaw Pret’s aqusition of rival sandwich chain Eat back in May. Pret is planning to turn Eat’s stores into Veggie Prets.
Commenting on the news, Schlee said: “There is never an easy time to stop being CEO of a wonderful company, but with the completion of our EAT deal tomorrow, and the roll out of the Pret Allergy Plan, now is a good time for a new CEO to take Pret on the next stage of its journey.
“I’m really pleased Pano is taking over. He knows our shops through and through and will keep Pret true to the values that have underpinned its success.”
Christou has worked with Pret for 19 years, initially as an assistant manager in the company’s Carnaby Street store.
He said: “I am honoured to follow Clive as CEO. Pret has big plans for the next few years – integrating EAT, developing Veggie Pret, delivering our digital transformation, and leading the way in supporting customers with allergies. I want to thank Clive for his leadership over the last sixteen years, and we look forward to building on his legacy.”
