Papa Johns names new marketing, development, legal chiefs
One of the world’s largest pizza chains is shaking up its C-suite with multiple moves.
Papa Johns International Inc. has named Chris Lyn-Sue, who serves as senior VP, general manager of international at the company, has been named global chief marketing officer. Lyn-Sue joined Papa Johns in 2022, and served as interim chief marketing officer in 2024. Prior to joining Papa Johns, he held global brand leadership and marketing roles at Popeyes and Restaurant Brands International, and spent 12 years in various positions at Bacardi.
John Matter, who serves as senior VP, general counsel and interim head of North American development, has been named to the newly-created position of global chief development officer. He will be responsible for leading growth and development strategy, including global expansion, franchise development and more.
Matter has more than 25 years of legal and strategic advisory experience, and has held multiple roles with the company since joining Papa Johns in 2013. He will maintain his corporate securities responsibilities as assistant corporate secretary.
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Caroline Miller Oyler, who serves as chief administrative officer, has been promoted to chief legal and administrative officer. Oyler, who has spent more than 27 years at Papa Johns, will reassume direct leadership of the legal function in addition to overseeing human resources and culture, legal, risk, safety and security, internal audit and facilities. She will continue in her role as corporate secretary.
Finally, Chris Phylactou, who serves as managing director U.K., Europe & Canada, has been named senior VP of international. Since rejoining Papa Johns in 2020, he has held leadership positions across the international business, including as VP of international supply chain.
Prior to rejoining Papa Johns, he spent eight years at TGI Fridays, ultimately serving as managing director for Europe. He also led a consultancy business, working with clients including Wagamama and Norwegian Cruise Line.
"Papa Johns is focused on advancing our strategic transformation, and we believe these appointments will help us deliver on that objective," said Papa Johns president and CEO Todd Penegor, who has led the company since 2024. "Chris, John, Caroline and Chris are tremendous leaders whose leadership and expertise have contributed to the progress we have made on several of our key priorities, including building momentum in our International business, optimizing our restaurant portfolio, supporting our global franchisee base and enabling efficiency and closer collaboration across teams. We are confident they bring the discipline, focus and operational insight required to position Papa Johns for improved performance in 2027 and beyond.”
Co-headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., and Louisville, Ky., Papa Johns is the world’s third-largest pizza delivery company with more than 6,000 restaurants in approximately 50 countries and territories.
