Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) announced that Ravi Thanawala has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer and President of North America, effective immediately. The move expands Thanawala’s responsibilities from his previous role as CFO and Executive Vice President of International to overseeing the company’s North American business, including restaurant operations and development strategies, while retaining his CFO duties.
Thanawala, who served as the company’s interim CEO from March to August 2024, brings a track record of financial discipline and operational turnaround. Prior to joining Papa John’s, he held senior finance and operations roles at Nike, where he managed large‑scale teams, and at Converse, where he led cost‑control initiatives that improved profitability.
The promotion comes with a salary increase to $700,000 and an incentive target equal to 100% of his base salary, underscoring the company’s confidence in his ability to drive performance across the largest market.
Alongside the promotion, Chris Lyn‑Sue has been named Senior Vice President and General Manager of International, and Joe Sieve, Chief Restaurant and Global Development Officer, will depart the company effective November 17, 2025.
CEO Todd Penegor said, ‘Ravi is a proven leader whose disciplined focus on operating execution, compelling product innovation, and cost management has generated meaningful growth across Papa John’s International business. 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.’ The appointment signals a strategic shift to place a strong financial executive at the helm of the company’s largest market, aiming to strengthen financial performance, digital growth, cost control and franchisee profitability.
North America has experienced mixed performance in recent quarters, with comparable sales decreasing 3% in Q3 2025 after a 1% increase in Q2 2025. The promotion reflects the company’s intent to address these headwinds by leveraging Thanawala’s experience in scaling operations and managing cost structures. The new structure also aligns with Papa John’s broader transformation plan, which emphasizes digital ordering platforms, supply‑chain optimization and franchisee support.
The company operates in a highly competitive pizza delivery market, contending with Domino’s, Pizza Hut and regional players. Strengthening North American leadership is critical to maintaining and growing market share, especially as the company seeks to expand its digital footprint and improve franchisee profitability through targeted cost‑control initiatives and operational efficiencies.
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