Pret A Manger has appointed former Lidl GB buying chief Stefan Porter to the newly created role of Chief Supply Chain Officer as the food-to-go chain accelerates its global growth plans.

Porter joins Pret from Azzurri Group , owner of brands including ASK Italian, Zizzi and Coco di Mama, where he served as group commercial director overseeing purchasing, supply chain, ESG, quality and technical operations.

Prior to that, he spent eight years at Lidl GB, most recently as senior buying director, leading multiple buying divisions and managing strategic supplier relationships within the discounter’s UK business.

In his new position, it is understood Porter will oversee Pret’s supply chain, logistics, buying, technical and sustainability functions globally, as well as helping drive the food-to-go giant’s global ambitions.

“I’m excited to welcome Stefan to Pret,” said Pret CEO Pan Christou.

“With his strong commitment to food quality, combined with his deep industry expertise and commercially minded approach, I believe he will be a great asset to us as we continue to grow the brand.”

Porter added that he was ” excited to be joining the Pret team and supporting their ambitious plans.

“I’ve long been a customer and fan of Pret’s freshly made food and coffee and I look forward to bringing my skills, passion and experience to the business at this period of growth.”

The appointment comes as Pret continues to expand across travel hubs, franchised locations and new store formats, including its recently launched first-ever drive-thru site in Warrington.

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