Peggy Cherng

As Co-Chairman and Co-CEO, Peggy Cherng has been a driving force in the success of Panda Restaurant Group -- the largest Asian dining concept in the United States and home to Panda Inn, Panda Express, and Hibachi-San -- since joining the organization in 1982. Leveraging her engineering background, Cherng developed the systems that support Panda’s growth and help associates deliver consistent dining experiences to guests. Her holistic vision for people development led to the creation of the University of Panda, a core component of the company’s people development strategy.

Born in Myanmar and raised in Hong Kong, Cherng earned a Bachelor of Science degree in applied mathematics from Oregon State University, a Master of Science in computer science and a PhD in electrical engineering from the University of Missouri. After using her degrees to design battlefield simulators for the U.S. Navy, she helped her husband open Panda Express’ first store in 1983.

Cherng, who is considered to be the "heart" of the company, is deeply committed to giving back to the communities in which Panda restaurants operate through Panda Cares, a philanthropic effort that has donated millions of dollars to non-profit organizations, schools and children's hospitals since its founding in 1999. Cherng also serves on the Caltech Board of Trustees. She was a Forbes 50 Over 50 honoree in 2024.