Papa Johns names new North American president
One of the world’s largest pizza companies has made a change to its leadership team.
Papa John’s International has announced that Ravi Thanawala, most recently CFO and executive VP, international, has been promoted to CFO and president, North America. In the new role, he will lead the company’s North American business, including restaurant operations and development strategies, along with his CFO responsibilities.
Thanawala joined Papa Johns as CFO in 2023 and was promoted to CFO and executive VP, international in 2024. He served as the company’s interim CEO from March 2024 to August 2024.
Thanawala joined Papa Johns from Nike, where he most recently served as CFO of Nike North America, the company’s largest division. During his seven years at footwear giant, Thanawala also served as the global VP and CFO of the Converse brand, which included working within a franchise model that comprised most of the brand’s international business. In addition, he was the global VP of retail excellence, overseeing the Nike's performance across its business channels of franchises, licenses, direct to consumer and wholesale.
“Ravi is a proven leader whose disciplined focus on operating execution, compelling product innovation, and cost management has generated meaningful growth across Papa Johns’ International business,” said Papa John’s International CEO Todd Penegor. “Given his track record with Papa John’s international business and his success with consumer brand turnarounds, we are confident that Ravi is the right person to guide our North America business through current headwinds and help accelerate our transformation to deliver greater value for shareholders, customers and franchisees.”
In connection with Thanawala’s promotion, the company’s international business will be led by Chris Lyn-Sue, who has been promoted from senior VP, head of international markets to senior VP, general manager of international. Thanawala and Lyn-Sue will report directly to Penegor, effective immediately.
[READ MORE: Papa Johns names new chief administrative officer]
In connection with the changes, Joe Sieve, chief restaurant and global development officer, is departing the company.
Co-headquartered in Atlanta and Louisville, Papa Johns is the world’s third-largest pizza delivery company with approximately 6,000 restaurants in approximately 50 countries and territories.
