Pret A Manger’s Chief Executive Clive Schlee will step down at the end of September after 16 years in the role. He will be replaced by Pano Christou, who is currently the sandwich chain’s Chief Operating Officer.
Schlee is credited with helping Pret become a billion-pound business with over 550 shops in nine markets around the world. He also recently oversaw the company’s acquisition of rival chain EAT in order to grow its new ‘Veggie’ format.
However, the company has been under intense scrutiny of late after the tragic death of teenager Natasha Ednan-Laperouse following an allergic reaction to a Pret baguette. Pret has since moved to fully label all the ingredients in its products, including allergens.
Schlee will still maintain a role in the business as a non-executive director. He 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 started as an Assistant Store Manager for the firm nineteen years ago, working his way up to become Managing Director of Pret UK in 2014 and COO at the start of this year.
He commented: “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.”
