Pret A Manger founder returns in Board leadership shake up

The group said the new appointments will bolster its international growth.

Pret A Manger founder Sinclair Beechen is returning to the business after the UK chain announced a series of Board changes to bolster its next phase of international growth.
 
Olivier Goudet will be stepping down as Chairman, with Konrad Meyer taking his place. Goudet served as Chairman since JAB’s acquisition in 2018. Goudet will remain on the board.

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“Being the Chairman of Pret has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. This is an exceptional business, with wonderful people, delicious food and coffee, and a dedicated management team led by Pano Christou. With Konrad as Chair, and Larry returning to the Board, Pret is well set for the future. I look forward to supporting my colleagues in any way I can and to staying invested over the coming years,” Goudet said.
 
At the same time, Sinclair Beecham, one of Pret’s founders, and Larry Billett, Pret’s Chairman from 2003 through 2011 and a board member until 2018, will return to the business. Sinclair and Larry have continued as significant supportive investors in Pret since JAB’s acquisition in 2018, and whilst Sinclair will not formally rejoin the Board, Larry will return as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee. 
 
Separately, Patrice de Talhouët and Nathalie Roos will step down as Non-Executive Directors.