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Schnatter mulls stepping aside at Papa John's Pizza

December 15, 2004

The Courier-Journal: Papa John's International founder and chairman John Schnatter said he's willing to consider stepping aside as chief executive to get the company moving again after years of lagging sales and declining profits.

"We've got another 60 to 100 days to show some improvement in what we're doing or we're going to have to get some more talent," Schnatter said in an interview at the Louisville, Ky.-based company.

That doesn't mean there will be a Papa John's without Schnatter any time in the near future -- "I don't think you can fire the founder," he said with a laugh -- but he does see the possibility of a different role for himself, even if he retains the title of CEO.

He could be more of a resource and supporter for senior management, he said, something he did for a while as CEO in the late 1990s while other senior executives oversaw operations and strategy.

"I have to look at myself in the mirror and make sure, am I the right guy to get us to the next level," Schnatter said. "If I'm not, let's get some talent in here and I'll go that way too."

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