Papa John's Appoints Board Member as COO

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Papa John’s International Inc announced yesterday that Joseph Thompson will take over the role as president and chief operating officer. He will continue to serve on the firm’s board of directors, where he has sat since February 2008. John Schnatter, chairman, will continue as the interim Chief Executive Officer. It was a position that the board asked the founder of Papa John’s to return from quasi-retirement and fill after Nigel Travis in December 2008 suddenly resigned. Travis quickly moved to become the CEO of Massachusetts-based Dunkin’ Brands, who had been searching for a successor to then-CEO Jon Luther.

In December, the board of directors formed a committee led by director William M. Street to undertake a search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer. During the search process, Mr. Thompson served as the Board’s liaison to the Papa John’s management team, working closely with Mr. Schnatter and other members of the leadership team of the world’s third largest pizza chain.

“We evaluated many talented candidates during the search process,” commented Street. “At the end of the day, the committee concluded that Mr. Thompson would make an outstanding addition to the management team. This appointment positions us well from a succession standpoint, as Mr. Schnatter focuses on Research & Development/QA and sourcing quality ingredients while Mr. Thompson focuses on all other aspects of the day-to-day running of the business.”

From 2006 to 2008, Thompson served as Senior Vice President of WellPoint, Inc. (NYSE: WLP), and President, Individual Business, of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. He served in various positions of WellPoint and its affiliates since 1989.

“I am excited to join the Papa John’s management team,” commented Thompson. “We have a very talented group of franchise and corporate operators throughout the world who do an outstanding job delivering on our ‘Better Ingredients. Better Pizza’ brand promise to customers, every day. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary and embark on our next 25 years, I look forward to working with our Founder and the entire system to keep this wonderful brand moving forward.”