After 15 years with Pret A Manger, Clare Clough has decided to step down as managing director for the UK and Europe.
She will be taking a career break, following her recent promotion from UK managing director earlier this year.
Clough joined Pret in 2010 as head of food and technical and went on to hold a variety of senior roles. She played a key role in developing the chain’s vegetarian and vegan ranges and led the rollout of its allergen plan.
More recently, she drew attention last year for a customer letter announcing changes to Pret’s coffee subscription, which was first introduced during the Covid pandemic.
Details of who will succeed Clough in the role have not yet been confirmed by Pret.
A Pret spokesperson said: “After 15 years with Pret, Clare Clough has decided to leave the business and have a career break. Over the years, Clare has been instrumental in establishing Pret’s international presence, developing Pret’s allergy plan, leading the UK business through the covid-19 pandemic and more recently serving as managing director for Europe. We’d like to thank Clare for her enormous contribution in making Pret what it is today and wish her the very best in her next endeavour.”
Clough’s departure comes as Pret faces a potential period of change, with owner JAB Holdings working with advisors to secure fresh investment, possibly through an initial public offering.
This summer, the chain also began testing a new ‘family-friendly’ café format in Dundee and Maidenhead, featuring larger dine-in areas and play zones for children.
Pret has also introduced a range of salads that are 60% larger than its previous offerings, aiming to compete with growing salad brands such as Atis and the Salad Project.
The chain opened its first shop in London in 1986 and has since expanded to more than 700 stores across 21 international markets, including Qatar and Hong Kong.