Paris Baguette North America announces several internal promotions

A businessman joins a new employee to the team as its leader. Hiring new employees for the project., teamwork. leader works with the team as a member. increasing efficiency, confidence, communication

Moonachie-based Paris Baguette on Tuesday said that, after a year of staggering growth — with 43 new cafés opened across the U.S. and Canada, over 100 new franchises awarded and 50 leases signed for cafés in development — CEO Darren Tipton kicked off 2024 with five internal promotions to round out the leadership team.

“2023 was an incredible year for growth in the Paris Baguette system, and, with another big year ahead of us, it was only fitting to both celebrate these successes and prepare for ongoing growth by recognizing those who have played crucial roles all along,” Tipton said. “The team at Paris Baguette is a huge part of what makes us who we are, and these five truly embody our brand values. I am proud to have them by my side as we continue to work toward reestablishing the neighborhood bakery café as the heart of the community across North America.”

The promotions include:

  • Saeyong Park, who is transitioning from vice president of finance and accounting to chief financial officer, has been with Paris Baguette for nine years, having led corporate strategy as well as strategic planning. Park brings his rich and varied financial experience to the table, having spent several years with Paris Baguette’s parent company, SPC Group, headquartered in Korea.
  • Michelle Jagroop has taken on the role of chief people officer; she was previously the vice president of human resources and training. Jagroop has been with Paris Baguette for five years and brings 25 years of human resources experience from multiple retail brands including Bowlero, Macy’s and Liz Claiborne to name a few. She has led multiple facets of HR, such as leadership development and performance management, as well as organizational growth and talent strategies.
  • Nick Scaccio has transitioned into the chief operating officer role, with nearly 20 years of operations experience and three years with Paris Baguette. During his time at Paris Baguette, Scaccio has served as vice president of revenue and strategic development, as well as vice president of operations. Scaccio is known for driving efficiencies as well as his transformative leadership skills with rapidly expanding brands.
  • Eric Galkin has transitioned from vice president of supply chain management to chief supply chain officer, with three decades of experience in several high-end procurement and supply chain operations. Galkin led initiatives for multiple organizations, including OTG Management, Delaware North’s patina restaurant group and farm-to-table pioneer distributor D’artagnan Inc.
  • Cathy Chavenet has stepped into the role of chief marketing officer, having previously led marketing and culinary initiatives as senior vice president & head of marketing at Paris Baguette. Chavenet has extensive experience with major quick-service restaurant brands such as Dunkin‘ and the Wendy’s Co. She owned and operated her own French bakery & cafe locations in New York as well as internationally in Paris.

In 2023, Tipton also welcomed Eric Lavinder to the system as chief development officer and added in-house General Counsel Kyle Chung to further support the growth of the Paris Baguette system.

With the completed C-suite team in place, Tipton said there is a pathway to open 100 bakery cafés this year and award another 150 franchises in the U.S. and Canada.

“At Paris Baguette, community is at our core. We believe it’s the people that make the experience that much sweeter. As we continue to grow, we will hold fast to our brand values. I have full confidence that this leadership team will champion our vision as we continue to build and scale across North America,” he added.