Papa John's ropes in Amanda Clark as its Chief Development Officer

Papa John's International has roped in Amanda Clark as its Chief Development Officer. In her new role, Clark will be leading the pizza chain’s strategy to continue expanding its restaurant footprint in North America and internationally.

Rob Lynch, President and CEO, Papa John’s, said, “Amanda is a passionate leader with a proven track record of driving growth at one of the restaurant industry’s biggest success stories over the past 10 years,”

“I had the pleasure of working with Amanda during my time at both Procter & Gamble and Taco Bell, and I’m thrilled to welcome her to Papa John’s. Her energy, ideas, and expertise will help us to achieve our goal of driving continued net unit growth through expansion in both the US and around the world,” Lynch added.

Clark will also be overseeing franchise development and sales, building design and new concepts, and the programs and personnel that provide ongoing facilities support to existing restaurants.

Clark stated, “I believe Papa John’s is on a path to be one of the great brand turnaround stories, and I’m excited to be a part of it. I’m passionate about helping companies grow. Continuing to open more units is one of the key metrics that define the health of a restaurant brand. I’m looking forward to working with Rob and the leaders of Papa John have to write the next chapter in the company’s history.”

Clark is joining Papa John’s from Taco Bell. She was Executive Vice President of Restaurant Experience at Taco Bell.

Growing Pizza Market

The Italian food format stood third in preference after Indian and Chinese five to six years ago. However, recent studies show that pizza is the biggest and the most profitable segment in the Quick Serve Restaurant (QSR) format.

The Indian pizza market is dominated by Jubilant Food Works and Yum Brands, who own the widely recognisable brands Domino’s and Pizza Hut, respectively. However, other brands such as Sbarro, Papa John’s and Marco’s Pizza are also competing to spread their base in India. Thus, with the increase in the number of players, the market is ripe for investors.

Serving pizza via franchise route

Global and domestic pizza brands in India are expanding their stores through the franchise route throwing many opportunities for entrepreneurs in the country. Be it Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Papa John’s,  Sbarro, Neopolitan Pizza or any other pizza brand, the majority of them are spreading their footprints via a franchise model in India. Domino’s Pizza has Jubilant FoodWorks Limited as it Master Franchisee.