Papa John's Hires Ian Saunders as Managing Director, United Kingdom
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Jul 18, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Papa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced the hiring of Ian Saunders as Managing Director of its United Kingdom operations. Saunders replaces Daniel Cousineau who is leaving Papa John's UK to pursue other ventures.
Saunders is an industry veteran with more than 25 years experience in the restaurant and foodservice industry, including many years in the Pizza Hut system.
From 2000 to 2006, Saunders held a variety of senior positions with Geest Limited, the leading fresh prepared foods and produce company in the UK and part of the Bakkavor Group. From 1994 to 2000, Saunders was with Tricon Restaurants International (formerly Pepsico), including serving as vice president, innovation from 1996 to 2000 and senior director, quality, research and development from 1994 to 1996.
From 1985 to 1994, Saunders held various management positions with Pizza Hut (UK) Limited or Pizza Hut International, including: director of operations systems and technology (1993 -1994); director of restaurant operations (1990 - 1993); director of franchise operations (1987 - 1990); and regional operations director (1985).
"We welcome Ian to the Papa John's family," commented Bill Van Epps, President, Papa John's USA and member of the Papa John's International Management Committee. "His many years of restaurant experience should help us greatly as we expand the Papa John's brand in this important market."
There are currently 87 Papa John's restaurants in the UK (84 franchised and three company-owned units). Papa John's has been named Delivery Operator of the Year among pizza chains in the United Kingdom by the Pizza and Pasta Association in each of the last two years. The company recently invested in point-of-sale technology and its online ordering capabilities, both intended to further enhance the customer ordering experience.
Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John's is the world's third largest pizza company. Papa John's has been rated no. 1 in customer satisfaction among all QSR chains in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) for seven years running (1999 - 2006). For more information about the company or to order pizza online, visit Papa John's at www.papajohns.com.
SOURCE: Papa John's International, Inc.
Papa John's International, Inc.
Chris Sternberg,
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