Papa John's International Inc. has named former Target Corporation financial executive, Ann Gugino, as CFO, replacing Steve Coke, who had been serving as interim principal financial and accounting officer. He will continue in his role as vice president of Investor Relations and Strategy, a news release said.

Gugino was most recently senior vice president of Financial Planning and Analysis at Target. As a member of Papa John's executive leadership team, she will help build and implement the company's long-term plans for profitable growth and shareholder value creation.

"After a careful search for a candidate whose values, passion and expertise align with Papa John's core values and business needs, I'm thrilled to welcome Ann Gugino to our team," Papa John's President and CEO Rob Lynch said in the release. "Ann is a proven leader and change agent, who brings deep experience in the consumer and retail sector, including driving demand and profitability across digital and traditional commerce at Target.

"Ann's appointment rounds out one of the most capable and diverse leadership teams in our industry. The breadth and depth of our team's strengths, backgrounds and perspectives are crucial advantages for Papa John's and essential to our long-term innovation and growth plans."

At Target, Gugino provided overall strategy, guidance and direction in the development and execution of the retailer's planning, analysis and capital investment portfolios. Prior to that, Ms. Gugino spent 18 years at publicly held Patterson Companies Inc., including four years as executive vice president and CFO.

"I'm both humbled and excited to join such a dynamic and dedicated team at this important moment for the company," Gugino said in the release. "Papa John's transformation into a values-driven, innovative category leader has opened an enormous global opportunity. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to help set a long-term path and plan to maximize our growth and potential for the benefit of all of our stakeholders."

The 36-year-old Papa John's is based in Louisville, but recently announced that it was transitioning its leadership and many of its corporate functions to Atlanta. The company has more than 5,300 restaurants in 48 countries and territories.

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