Papa John's International Inc. has announced the resignation of J. Jude Thompson as president, co-chief executive officer and member of the board of directors.
Thompson, who has been a director of Papa John's since 2008 and an officer of the company since 2009, is leaving to spend time focusing on his interests in Arison Insurance Services, a Louisville, Ky.-based insurance agency.
Papa John's also is headquartered in Louisville.
"We thank Jude for his service to Papa John's," said John Schnatter, the company's founder, chairman and CEO. "We've accomplished a lot during his three years with the company and we wish him well."
Thompson is a principal and co-founder of Assurance Investment Partners Inc., owner of Arison Insurance Services, a full-service insurance brokerage firm. Prior to joining Papa John's, he had 20-plus years in the insurance industry, including serving as senior vice president of WellPoint Inc. and president of Individual Business of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
With Thompson's departure, Schnatter, 49, will assume sole responsibility for the CEO role, while also continuing to serve as chairman of the board. He created the Papa John's concept in 1984 and also serves as brand spokesperson.
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