Papa Johns Co-CEO Resigns

Louisville-based Papa John's International Inc (NASDAQGS:PZZA) announced on Monday that its co-CEO J. Jude Thompson has resigned. Papa John's founder John Schnatter, who is featured on the firm's television commercials as the brand's spokesperson, will take over from co-CEO to now sole CEO.

The company has seen some turnover with its officers. In February, the firm's chief financial officer David Flanery also left his position. Flanery was succeeded by Lance Tucker, who had served as the firm's senior vice president of strategic planning and chief of staff from 2010, overseeing Calistoga Bakery Cafes.

A year ago Thompson was appointed the firm's co-chief executive officer. A year before that he joined Papa John's as its Chief Operating Officer. Thompson returns to his twenty-year career in insurance, in particular Louisville-based Arison Insurance. Arison is part of Assurance Investment Partners Inc, which Thompson co-founded.

In December of 2008 CEO Nigel Travis, who had been with the firm for four years, left to lead Massachusetts-based Dunkin' Brands.