Papa John’s International Inc. has named Ann Gugino its new chief financial officer.
Steve Coke, who had been serving in that role in an interim capacity, will continue as vice president for investor relations and strategy.
Most recently, Gugino was senior vice president for financial planning and analysis for Target.
Before that, she spent 18 years at Patterson Companies Inc., including four years as executive vice president and CFO.
In a release announcing Gugino’s appointment, Papa John’s president and CEO Rob Lynch praised her for her experience and said she would fit well in the executive team he had built since his appointment in August 2019.
“After a careful search for a candidate whose values, passion and expertise align with Papa John’s core values and business needs, I’m thrilled to welcome Ann Gugino to our team,” he said. “Ann is a proven leader and change agent, who brings deep experience in the consumer and retail sector, including driving demand and profitability across digital and traditional commerce at Target. Ann’s appointment rounds out one of the most capable and diverse leadership teams in our industry. The breadth and depth of our team’s strengths, backgrounds and perspectives are crucial advantages for Papa John’s and essential to our long-term innovation and growth plans. Last, I want to thank Steve Coke for providing a seamless transition as interim CFO and leading the finance team during such a momentous period for the company while we conducted this search.”
Gugino said she was looking forward to her new role.
“I’m both humbled and excited to join such a dynamic and dedicated team at this important moment for the company. Papa John’s transformation into a values-driven, innovative category leader has opened an enormous global opportunity. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to help set a long-term path and plan to maximize our growth and potential for the benefit of all of our stakeholders.”
Like many pizza chains, Papa John’s has performed well during the pandemic after struggling during the previous couple of years.
In August, Papa John’s reported record-breaking same-store sales growth in North America of 28% for the 2nd quarter, followed by a 23.8% jump in September.
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