Former Wendy’s CEO Starts Anew at Pizza Chain

The leader brings a record of global growth, product innovation and digital transformation to his new role.

ToddPenegor
Todd Penegor

Papa Johns—comprising more than 5,900 restaurants in 50 countries and territories—has a new president and CEO, effective Thursday, Aug. 1.

Todd Penegor, the president and CEO of The Wendy’s Co. (up until this February), succeeds Ravi Thanawala, who has been Papa Johns’ interim CEO since March. Thanawala will resume his role as chief financial officer.

Penegor has 20 years of experience in the restaurant and consumer goods industries. While he was at Wendy’s, the company grew its sales, earnings and new restaurant counts. More specifically, Wendy’s footprint grew to more than 7,000 restaurants worldwide and the chain achieved 12 consecutive years of same-restaurant sales growth, notes a release. Prior to becoming CEO in 2016, Penegor was Wendy’s chief financial officer from 2013-2016. Before that, he held leadership roles at Kellogg Co. (2000-2013) and Ford Motor Co. (1989 to 2000).

This year, Penegor also joined the board of directors at Dutch Bros.

“Todd’s appointment as president and chief executive officer successfully concludes an extensive search to identify a proven leader who has the experience, skills and vision to achieve the full potential of the Papa Johns brand and accelerate growth,” says Christopher Coleman, chair of the Papa Johns Board of Directors. “Todd has an outstanding record of leading winning teams and scaling franchised operations globally through trusted partnerships, product innovation and digital transformation. He has also demonstrated his ability to effectively allocate capital, drive value and enhance profitability.”

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