Papa Johns UK CEO Resigns

Leading pizza delivery operator Papa John’s has announced that Operations Director Jack Swaysland will be promoted to the role of UK Managing Director.

The move follows the announcement that current MD Ian Saunders has left the company to take up a leading role within a globally renowned brand.

Jack has headed up Papa John’s operations over the last three years, helping the company overhaul its product range to enhance its premium market positioning, implement a 100 per cent fresh dough policy and improve all aspects of customer service.

This role has seen him become a key interface between the company and its franchise community, and Papa John’s President of Global Operations Bill Mitchell believes he is a natural successor to Mr Saunders.

He said: “Ian and Jack joined the company at similar times and have worked very closely together during a very successful period in the UK.

“Ian has overseen a huge transformation in the business, which is highlighted by the fact that the business has doubled in size and shown 16 consecutive quarters of growth - a phenomenal result during some very difficult times.

“The product has become recognised as market leading, the infrastructure is better than ever with the announcement of our new Quality Control Centre and Dough Plant, and the franchisee pipeline is very healthy.

“Papa John’s UK is in great health with a hugely exciting future, and Ian leaves with our very best wishes and thanks for the part he has played in that.

“We believe that continuity is absolutely the key to maintaining this success and that is why Papa John’s is delighted to promote Jack to the position of managing director.

“He has become industry renowned as an operations guru and already has the respect and attention of our franchisees, who have reaped the rewards of his keen attention to detail on the pizza eating experience.”