Special Committee of Papa John’s Board Announces Appointment of Akin Gump to Oversee Cultural Audit and Investigation of the Company

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul. 17, 2018-- Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced that a special committee consisting of all independent directors of the board has appointed the international law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP to oversee an audit and investigation of the company. As previously announced, the audit and investigation will examine all of the existing processes, policies and systems related to diversity and inclusion, supplier and vendor engagement and Papa John’s culture.

The Akin Gump team, which will be led by partners Douglass Maynard and Estela Diaz, will retain and manage additional experts and consultants in this process.

“We’re focused on creating the right future for Papa John’s,” said Olivia Kirtley, lead independent director of the board and a member of the special committee. “The special committee of the board is committed to this thorough audit and investigation and to taking deliberate actions to rebuild trust at Papa John’s and to ensure that this company is driven by the values of diversity, equity, inclusion and respect.”

The members of the special committee are all outside directors who serve on Papa John’s board, and no current or former employees of Papa John’s, including those who are on the board, will serve on the special committee.

About Papa John’s

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) is the world's third-largest pizza delivery company. In 2018, consumers rated Papa John’s No. 1 in product and service quality among national pizza chains in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). For 17 of the past 19 years, consumers have rated Papa John'sNo. 1 in customer satisfaction among national pizza chains in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). For more information about the company or to order pizza online, visit Papa John's at www.papajohns.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

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Source: Papa John’s International, Inc.

Papa John’s International, Inc.
Investor Contact:
Joe Smith, 502-261-4593
Chief Financial Officer
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Media Contact:
Peter Collins, 502-261-4233
Senior Director, Public Relations
Peter_Collins@papajohns.com