LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Papa Johns announced its president and CEO, Rob Lynch, is leaving the company to take another CEO position. The company’s board appointed Ravi Thanawala, the company’s current chief financial officer, as interim CEO effective March 21, 2024.

Papa Johns said Lynch would help with the transition by serving in an advisory role until April 30, 2024. The company said it would conduct a comprehensive search for their next CEO.

“Since joining Papa Johns nearly five years ago, Mr. Lynch has guided the Company through a business and culture transformation. I am joined by the Board, our team members and our franchisees in sharing our deepest thanks for his service and contributions in rebuilding the strength of the brand as CEO. We wish Rob all the best,” said Chairman of the Board Christopher Coleman.

“It’s been my honor and privilege to serve as Papa Johns CEO for the past five years. I could not be more proud of the work our Executive Leadership Team, team members and franchisees have done to grow and transform this brand,” said Rob Lynch. He said the decision was a difficult one but that he leaves knowing the company is well-positioned for the future.

Thanawala said he is honored to step in as interim CEO and appreciated the board’s confidence in him for the position. He joined Papa Johns in 2023 as CFO following a seven-year stint as the CFO of Nike North America. He also served as the global vice president and CFO of the Converse Brand. Before that, he spent eight years at ANN INC. in finance and operations roles.