Clive Schlee to retire as CEO of Pret A Manger

Pano Christou was appointed as his successor.

Pret A Manger’s Clive Schlee has announced he will be retiring from the role as CEO at the end of September 2019.

Schlee will remain with the company as a non-executive director, whilst ensuring a “smooth transition” to Pano Christou, Pret’s chief operating officer over the coming months.

“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,” Schlee said in a statement.

Christou started as an Assistant Manager in Pret Carnaby St nineteen years ago, working his way up to become managing director of Pret UK in 2014 and COO at the start of 2019.

“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,” he said.