Pret a Manger has appointed Taco Bell MD for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, Anita McDonnell, as its new international president.
Joining the business from late August, McDonnell will lead the business across Europe, Asia and Africa. She will work alongside North America president Felipe Athayde and UK & Ireland president Ross Warnes to accelerate Pret’s growth strategy across its 21 international markets.
McDonnell brings two decades of global leadership experience across franchised food and beverage businesses to the role. Prior to her MD role at Taco Bell, she held the position of chief growth officer for the Asia Pacific and Middle East region.
Before joining Taco Bell, McDonnell held leadership roles at Domino’s and Costa Coffee, working with franchise partners and leading businesses across Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Europe.
“We’re delighted to welcome Anita to Pret,” said Pret CEO Pano Christou. “She brings extensive global experience and a deep understanding of franchised businesses, with a strong track record of leading teams across multiple markets.
“It’s rare to find someone with such deep expertise in food, coffee and hospitality across such a wide range of Asian markets, and we are really lucky Anita has decided to join Pret. I’m looking forward to working with her as we continue to strengthen our international business and support our franchise partners around the world.”
She will succeed Eira Jarvis, who will leave Pret at the end of the year after 13 years with the business. Having spent more than a decade building Pret’s business across Asia and beyond, Jarvis has decided to remain in the region rather than relocate to the UK where the international president role will be based.
Christou added: “I would also like to thank Eira for everything she has contributed over the past 13 years. She has helped build the foundations of Pret’s international business, supporting teams and franchise partners across many of our markets.
“Just as importantly, she has been a mentor to so many colleagues across Pret, generously sharing her experience and helping develop the next generation of leaders. We fully understand her decision to remain in Asia, and we wish her every success for the future.”
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