Papa Johns has reshuffled its leadership team, with UK, Europe and Canada MD Chris Phylactou promoted to international senior vice president.
Phylactou rejoined the pizza giant in 2020 as VP for international supply chain, after a previous spell at the business from 2008 to 2011. Prior to rejoining Papa Johns, Phylactou spent eight years at TGI Fridays in various positions, including his most recent role as Europe MD.
Other changes within the business will see Chris Lyn-Sue, who serves as senior vice president, general manager of international, appointed to global chief marketing officer.
Lyn-Sue previously served as interim CMO in 2024 and prior to joining Papa Johns, he held global brand leadership and marketing roles at Popeyes, Restaurant Brands International, and Bacardí.
Elsewhere, John Matter, who serves as senior vice president, general counsel and interim head of North American development, has been appointed to the newly created position of global chief development officer and assistant corporate secretary.
He will be responsible for leading growth and development strategy, strategic partnerships and other opportunities to create shareholder value.
Matter has more than 25 years of legal and strategic advisory experience, including over 15 years in the restaurant and franchising industry.
Caroline Miller Oyler, who serves as chief administrative officer has been named chief legal and administrative officer.
She will reassume direct leadership of the legal function in addition to overseeing human resources and culture, legal, risk, safety and security, internal audit and facilities. She will also continue in her role as corporate secretary.
“Papa Johns is focused on advancing our strategic transformation, and we believe these appointments will help us deliver on that objective,” said Papa Johns president and CEO Todd Penegor.
“Chris, John, Caroline and Chris are tremendous leaders whose leadership and expertise have contributed to the progress we have made on several of our key priorities, including building momentum in our international business, optimising our restaurant portfolio, supporting our global franchisee base and enabling efficiency and closer collaboration across teams.
“We are confident they bring the discipline, focus and operational insight required to position Papa Johns for improved performance in 2027 and beyond.”
It comes as UK sales for the second quarter to 28 June 2026 rose by 10% and international system-wide sales increased 5% to $347.2m (£258.3m).
However, North America system-wide sales decreased 8% to $850.7m (£632.4m), bringing global restaurant sales down by 4.8% to $1.2bn (£892m).
Adjusted EBITDA flat year over year at $53m, mostly offset by lower sales and volumes in North America.
“Second quarter results reflected continued momentum in our international business, where we delivered our seventh consecutive quarter of positive comparable sales, and ongoing headwinds in North America driven by the softer consumer environment, lower order volumes, and a highly promotional QSR marketplace,” said Penegor.
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