Pret A Manger has appointed Anita McDonnell as president of its international division, effective from late August.

McDonnell will oversee the food-to-go and coffee chain’s operations across Europe, Asia and Africa. She will work alongside Felipe Athayde, president of North America, and Ross Warnes, president of the UK and Ireland, as Pret seeks to accelerate growth across its 21 international markets.

She joins Pret from Taco Bell, where she most recently served as managing director for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, having previously been the company’s chief growth officer for the region.

McDonnell has more than 20 years of experience in franchised food and beverage businesses. Her previous roles include leadership positions at Domino’s and Costa Coffee, where she worked with franchise partners and managed operations across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Europe.

She succeeds Eira Jarvis, who will leave Pret at the end of 2026 following 13 years with the company. Jarvis has opted to remain in Asia rather than relocate to the UK, where the international president role will be based. She will continue in the position until the end of the year to support the leadership transition.

Pano Christou, CEO of Pret A Manger, said: "We're delighted to welcome Anita to Pret. She brings extensive global experience and a deep understanding of franchised businesses, with a strong track record of leading teams across multiple markets".

He continued: "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."

Christou also thanked Jarvis for her contribution to the company, including her role in developing Pret’s international business and mentoring colleagues across the organisation.