LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Papa John’s International Inc. announced that Joe Smith has been promoted to chief financial officer, effective immediately. Smith previously served as senior vice president of global sales and development for the company.

Smith joined Papa John’s in 2000. He started as senior director of corporate budgeting and finance until he was promoted to vice president of corporate finance in 2005. In 2010, he took over the role of vice president, Global Sales and Development prior to being named senior vice president in 2016.

“Joe has had an integral role in the growth of Papa John’s during his 18 years with the company, including 10 years in finance and eight years in our Global Development departments,” said President and CEO Steve Ritchie. “His knowledge and experience position him well to serve as our new CFO, particularly given the work underway to evaluate and invest in new opportunities for value creation. I look forward to working with Joe in his new role.”

Founder Chairman John Schnatter added, “Joe has demonstrated strong finance skills and integrity in his many years with Papa John’s, and his promotion is well deserved. His extensive knowledge of our company and industry make him the ideal person to lead our finance team.”

“I’m excited to be named Papa John’s CFO,” Smith said. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with Steve Ritchie and our entire management team, John Schnatter and our board of directors and our franchise system.”

Steve Coke, who has been serving as interim principal financial and accounting officer, will continue to serve as vice president, Investor Relations and Strategy.