LOUISVILLE, Ky. – J. Jude Thompson, president, co-CEO and member of the board of directors for Papa John's International Inc., resigned on April 15. A director of Papa John’s since 2008 and an officer of the company since 2009, he is reportedly leaving to spend time focusing on his interests in Arison Insurance Services, a Louisville-based insurance agency, and to pursue other opportunities.

“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.”


Schnatter, 49, will now 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. Papa John's International Inc. is the world's third-largest pizza company.