Papa Johns reorganizes international leadership team

By Lauren Mitchell 09/08/2026 3 min read 6 views

Papa Johns has reshuffled its international leadership team, with the UK, Europe and Canada managing director Chris Phylactou promoted to the role of international senior vice president. The company also appointed Chris Lyn-Sue as global chief marketing officer and John Matter to the newly created position of global chief development officer and assistant corporate secretary. The changes come as the pizza chain seeks to accelerate its strategic transformation and drive improved performance through 2027 and beyond.

Phylactou rejoined Papa Johns in 2020 as VP for international supply chain after a previous spell at the business from 2008 to 2011. Before his return, he spent eight years at TGI Fridays in various positions, including his most recent role as Europe MD. He will now oversee the company’s international operations under his expanded title.

Chris Lyn-Sue, who previously served as senior vice president, general manager of international, has been appointed to global chief marketing officer. He held interim CMO duties in 2024 and previously held global brand leadership and marketing roles at Popeyes, Restaurant Brands International, and Bacardí. In a separate move, John Matter, who currently serves as senior vice president, general counsel and interim head of North American development, has been tapped to lead growth and development strategy, strategic partnerships, and other shareholder value opportunities as global chief development officer.

Caroline Miller Oyler, the chief administrative officer, has been named chief legal and administrative officer. She will reassume direct leadership of the legal function while continuing to oversee human resources, risk, safety, internal audit, and facilities. The company emphasized that these appointments are designed to support momentum in the international business and optimize the restaurant portfolio.

The leadership changes coincide with mixed results for the company. UK sales for the second quarter ended June 28, 2026, rose by 10%, and international system-wide sales increased 5% to $347.2 million. North America system-wide sales, however, decreased 8% to $850.7 million. This dip pulled global restaurant sales down by 4.8% to $1.2 billion.

Adjusted EBITDA remained flat year over year at $53 million, largely offset by lower sales and volumes in North America. Papa Johns president and CEO Todd Penegor stated that the company is focused on advancing its strategic transformation. He noted that the new leadership team will help deliver on key priorities including building momentum in the international business and enabling efficiency across teams.

This restructuring mirrors a common pattern in large restaurant chains: leadership changes often align with periods of geographic expansion or a shift in focus from domestic stagnation to international growth. By placing a veteran executive with supply chain experience in charge of international operations, the company is likely attempting to tighten its operational control while its domestic market struggles.

“We are confident they bring the discipline, focus and operational insight required to position Papa Johns for improved performance,” Penegor said. The company reported continued momentum in its international business, where it delivered its seventh consecutive quarter of positive comparable sales, despite ongoing headwinds in North America driven by a softer consumer environment and a highly promotional quick-service restaurant marketplace.

Papa Johns is also investing £5m in a functional nutrition range, aiming to broaden its product offering and meet evolving consumer demands. [1] This expansion reflects the broader trend of fast-food companies seeking to diversify their menus beyond traditional items.

Leadership adjustments are rarely isolated events. They often signal a deliberate attempt to restructure how an organization pursues its goals. The appointment of John Matter to the newly created position of global chief development officer and assistant corporate secretary suggests a structured approach to future growth. [2] The company’s strategic direction is clearly defined by these high-level changes.