News

Pizza Hut CEO joins First Book board

Photo: iStock

September 30, 2020

Pizza Hut CEO Artie Starrs has joined the board of directors of Washington, D.C.-based First Book, a national nonprofit social enterprise focused on equal access to quality education. First Book and Pizza Hut have worked together for the past four years through Pizza Hut: The Literacy Project, a platform dedicated to tackling illiteracy, a news release said.

Pizza Hut CEO Artie Starrs. (Photo provided)

Through the initiative, Pizza Hut hopes to impact 100 million lives over 10 years by enabling access to books and educational resources, empowering teachers and inspiring readers. In response to educator requests, over the last year Pizza Hut and First Book worked together with leading anti-bias and antiracism experts to create a series of Empowering Educators resources, launched this summer, to help educators engage in effective and courageous conversations about race and social justice.

"During our work together, I have been enormously impressed with First Book's strategic approach and commitment to ensure that children growing up in less affluent communities have access to the same high quality educational resources and opportunities as their more affluent peers," Starrs said in the release. "When I think of what is going to make the most difference for our children's futures, literacy and education are among the most powerful investments we can make. What makes First Book even more impactful is that its innovative and comprehensive models not only support educators and the children they serve, but also provide insights for all those working with children and families in poverty."

In his role as CEO of Pizza Hut, Starrs is responsible for driving the company's global growth strategies, franchise operations and performance. Prior to this, he served as President of Pizza Hut U.S. with responsibility for the company's overall strategic vision and planning, including all aspects of the business, culture and people capability.