From Ph.D. to Fast Food Fortune: The Success Story of Panda Express CEO Peggy Cherng

Peggy Cherng, the CEO of Panda Express, used her engineering background and expertise in data analytics to transform the fast-food chain into a multibillion-dollar empire. With her technical prowess and methodical approach, Cherng implemented customized sales and analytics software, standardized operations, and implemented a rigorous management curriculum to train employees. Panda Express now dominates the Asian takeout market, with over 2,400 locations and $5 billion in annual sales. Cherng's success has made her a self-made billionaire, and she plans to continue expanding the brand both domestically and internationally.