Papa Johns Hires Former Wendy’s CIO as Chief Digital Officer

This sound is generated automatically. Let us know if you have feedback.

Brief description of the dive:

Kevin Vasconi joined Papa Johns on Monday as chief digital and technology officer, the company announced in a press release.
Vasconi previously served as CIO at Wendy’s under Todd Penegor, who took over as CEO at Papa John’s last month.
Papa John’s also added new responsibilities for Ravi Thanawala, its CFO, who is now also executive vice president of international. Its restaurant director, Joe Sieve, is now responsible for global development.

Diving Insight:

As CIO at Wendy’s, Vasconi “transformed and tripled the e-commerce business in three years through a customer-centric approach, using technology to build Wendy’s customer loyalty,” according to a press release.

Vasconi’s role includes oversight of consumer-facing, enterprise and back-office technology. He will be responsible for information security, data analytics and engineering. The role will require a focus on “developing scalable, cost-effective technology capabilities for the franchise system,” according to a press release.

A man in a blazer smiles at the camera. It's Kevin Vasconi, Papa John's Chief Technology and Digital Officer — Kevin Vaconi joined Papa Johns this week.

Courtesy of Papa Johns

On the consumer side, Vasconi will work with the brand’s marketing team. Papa Johns is looking to improve its customer value perception through LTOs and high-value offers, and the chain’s loyalty program, Papa Rewards, is likely to become an important part of its value-focused messaging.

Penegor said he trusted Vasconi because they worked together as executives at Wendy’s.

“I have experienced first-hand his ability to drive technology innovation that has had a significant impact on our customers, team members and franchisees,” Penegor said in a press release.

Earlier this year, CKE Restaurants hired the former chief technology officer of Papa Johns, Justin Falciola. Vasconi resigned from his position as CIO at Wendy’s in favor of Matt Spessard in Februarybut he stayed in the company as an advisor, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Thanawala, in addition to his role as CFO, will now be responsible for Papa Johns’ operations outside the U.S. and Canada. Sieve will oversee global development, corporate and franchise operations for the restaurant.