Pret a Manger has appointed Kraft Heinz area VP Ross Warnes as UK and Ireland president.
Starting in January 2026, Warnes will oversee Pret’s more than 500 UK and Ireland shop estate, leading efforts to grow market share, increase transactions and deliver value to customers.
He previously spent more than nine years in various senior roles at Kraft Heinz, including as VP of sales for Northern Europe, and UK and Ireland sales director. In his most recent position as area VP, Warnes oversaw the company’s biggest business unit in the US.
Prior to his time at Kraft Heinz, Warnes held sales and customer development roles at Unilever and Nestle’s UK business.
“I’m excited to welcome Ross to the Pret team overseeing UK and Ireland,” said Pret a Manger CEO Pano Christou. ”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 added: “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.”
His appointment follows a shake-up in the food-to-go chain’s senior team. In September, UK and Europe MD Clare Clough stepped down after 15 years with the business. Pret has not yet confirmed who will succeed Clough.
In the same month, Pret appointed Matthew Bresnahan as chief marketing officer. He joined from Burger King and Popeyes owner Restaurant Brands International where he held several senior international marketing roles over a 12-year career at the company.
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