Louisville, Ky. — Papa John’s International, Inc. has appointed Chris Collins, senior vice president of corporate finance and principal accounting officer, to the additional position of interim chief financial officer, effective immediately. Collins succeeds Ravi Thanawala, who is leaving Papa Johns to assume a chief financial officer position at another public company. Thanawala will be available to Papa Johns in an advisory capacity until July 31, 2026, to support a smooth transition. Papa Johns has commenced a search for a permanent CFO.
Collins is a seasoned finance professional with more than 30 years of experience leading finance functions at public companies in the United States and internationally. He joined Papa Johns as vice president, treasury and tax in April 2021 and previously served as the company’s interim chief financial officer and principal accounting officer from March 2023 until July 2023. From July 2023 to July 2025, Collins served as vice president of finance – treasury, tax and international business segment. He was appointed senior vice president of corporate finance and principal accounting officer in July 2025. Prior to joining Papa Johns, Collins served as vice president, treasury, at Signet Jewelers from 2019 until 2020.
“Chris is a proven finance leader with deep knowledge of the company and the opportunities we are pursuing to maximize shareholder value and position Papa Johns for its greatest success as the best pizza makers in the business,” says Todd Penegor, president and CEO of Papa Johns. “I am confident that Chris’s support in this interim role along with our talented team will enable continued execution on our transformation priorities.”
In connection with Thanawala’s departure, Marc Richard, senior vice president of North America operations, has assumed responsibility for all North America operations, including those previously overseen by Thanawala in his role as president.
Papa John’s International, Inc. was founded in 1984. Papa Johns is co-headquartered in Atlanta and Louisville, Ky., and is the world’s third-largest pizza delivery company with more than 6,000 restaurants in approximately 50 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.papajohns.com.
SOURCE: Papa Johns