FOOD AND DRINK NEWS UK
Pret A Manger has appointed Ross Warnes as president of its largest market, the UK and Ireland.
Due to join the business in January, Warnes has worked with Kraft Heinz for the last nine years in senior roles including vice president of sales for Northern Europe and sales director for the UK and Ireland. More recently, he has overseen the company’s biggest business unit in the US as area vice president. Earlier in his career, he worked with Unilever and Nestle’s UK businesses.
At Pret A Manger, he will oversee the company’s 500-strong UK and Ireland store estate while spearheading efforts to grow market share and increase transactions.
His appointment comes as Pret doubles down on its commitment to food and coffee innovation following July’s successful launch of Super Plates, a premium range of bigger, high protein and nutrient rich salads.
Pano Christou, chief executive of Pret A Manger, said: “I’m excited to welcome Ross to the Pret team overseeing UK & Ireland. Ross has great experience in growing food brands and leading high-performing teams. His leadership will be instrumental as we focus on growing our UK market share, driving transactions and delivering more value to our customers.”
Warnes said: “I grew up with Pret and have always cherished its freshly made food, organic coffee and friendly service. It’s been amazing to see it evolve over the years and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of its exciting future. I’m looking forward to joining the team and taking the Pret brand to new places across the UK and Ireland.”