Rosemead, California, United States, November 2025 — Ani Avanessian has been appointed as the Vice President, Human Resources at Panda Restaurant Group, the world’s largest Asian restaurant company with over 2,600 locations globally. In this role, Ani will lead the strategic direction of HR initiatives across the organization, driving people-centric programs that strengthen Panda’s culture, enhance employee experience, and align talent strategy with business growth.
Ani’s journey with Panda Restaurant Group spans over 19 years, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s people strategy and culture. Prior to her current role, she served as Executive Director, Human Resources, Employee Experience & Innovation, where she co-led the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council and advanced initiatives that strengthened employee engagement, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. Over the years, Ani has led strategic programs encompassing recruitment, performance management, leadership development, people planning, and employee relations — all contributing to Panda’s mission of inspiring people to better their lives.
Before joining Panda Restaurant Group, Ani spent six years at Washington Mutual (now part of JPMorgan Chase), where she held multiple leadership positions, including Senior HR Compliance Consultant and Recruiting Manager. She successfully managed large-scale HR compliance programs, developed affirmative action strategies, and streamlined recruitment operations across the company’s vast branch network, ensuring strong governance and employee engagement practices.
Ani began her career at Merisel, where she worked as a Recruitment Specialist supporting corporate and sales departments on the West Coast. Her early exposure to fast-paced, people-driven environments laid the foundation for her passion for building scalable, human-centered organizations.
About Panda Restaurant Group
Panda Restaurant Group is a global leader in Asian dining, encompassing brands such as Panda Express and Panda Inn. Founded in 1973 by Andrew and Peggy Cherng, the family-owned company has grown to more than 2,600 restaurants worldwide and generates over $6 billion in annual sales.
Driven by its mission to deliver exceptional dining experiences, Panda fosters a people-first culture where associates are inspired to learn, grow, and make a difference. Through its commitment to continuous improvement, community involvement, and leadership development, Panda Restaurant Group continues to lead the industry as a purpose-driven organization rooted in family values and innovation.
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