NEW YORK — Levain Bakery is ushering in a new era of leadership, this time with shared occupancy. Lorna Sommerville and Taya Stenson are now co-CEOs of the national brand and will work to preserve the craftsmanship, quality and hospitality that garnered its loyal customer base.
Sommerville and Stenson have almost a decade of combined experience at Levain and complementary strengths across operations, brand building and commercial strategy. Sommerville has shaped its marketing, innovation and e-commerce strategy, while Stenson has built the operational infrastructure behind the brand’s rapid retail growth.
“Levain has always been about people — our bakers, team members and customers who’ve supported us since we opened on the Upper West Side more than 30 years ago,” said Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald, co-founders of Levain Bakery. “From the moment Taya and Lorna joined us, we could feel how much they understood that. We’re proud that two extraordinary women are leading Levain into its next chapter, with all the care and heart they’ve poured into this brand. It gives us total confidence in where Levain is headed next.”
Sommerville has spent more than two decades in brand building, shaping and scaling brands at The Coca-Cola Company, Harry’s and Function of Beauty, and she brings a track record of helping founder-built businesses become category leaders.
“I have immense respect for all that Pam and Connie have built,” Sommerville said. “Taya and I bring different strengths, but we share a deep respect for Levain’s legacy and what makes this brand special. I’m so excited to build on that legacy together.”
Additionally, Stenson spent nearly two decades at Starbucks, where she held a managing director role and led teams across the US, Wales, Italy, China and Japan.
“We feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this team and to be trusted to lead Levain moving forward,” Stenson said. “Our partnership is built on shared values and complementary strengths, and I’m excited to keep our team members and customers at the heart of Levain’s growth.”
