LOUISVILLE Ky. Papa John’s International Inc. said Monday that Chris Sternberg, senior vice president of corporate communications, has added the additional post of general counsel to his title. The appointment was one of several announced by the 3,400-unit pizza chain, which has made many changes to senior management in recent months.
Sternberg, who joined the company in 1994, had been serving as interim general counsel since last year. He will now report directly to Jude Thompson, Papa John’s president and chief operating officer. Sternberg is taking over the general counsel spot that had been filled until now by Chuck Schnatter, who is transitioning into a new position as managing director of special projects.
In addition to the appointment of Sternberg, Papa John’s also said that Tim O’Hern has returned to the company as senior vice president of development, a position he held from 2005 until 2007. O’Hern will report to Bill Mitchell, who was appointed president of U.S. operations in March.
The company also named Lance Tucker chief of staff and vice president of strategic planning. He, too, will report to Thompson.
Thompson, who had been a member of Papa John’s board since 2008, was named to his position in late April, reporting to founder and chief executive John Schnatter. Schnatter had served as interim president following the resignation of Nigel Travis in December 2008. Travis is now chief executive of Dunkin’ Brands Inc.
“I have the utmost confidence in Chris, Tim, Chuck and Lance,” Thompson said. “Each executive’s vast experience within the Papa John’s system will be a tremendous asset to the company.”
Based in Louisville, Papa John’s Papa John’s operates or franchises more than 3,400 restaurants worldwide.
Contact Eliisa Elan at [email protected].