Papa John’s on Monday named former Target executive Ann Gugino chief financial officer.
Gugino takes the position effective today. She takes over the chain’s financial duties from Steve Coke, who has been heading finance and accounting on an interim basis since former CFO Joe Smith left last year. Coke returns to his role as vice president of investor relations and strategy.
Gugino has more than 20 years of experience in financial management, planning and strategy. She most recently had been the Minneapolis-based retailer’s senior vice president of financial planning and analysis.
Rob Lynch, Papa John’s CEO, called Gugino “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.”
Gugino takes over finances for a chain that has performed remarkably well in recent months as consumers shift more of their dining dollars to delivery. Same-store sales rose 18% in September and 24% last quarter. The company has been overhauling its executive team in recent months, with the CFO position among the last ones to be changed since the arrival of Lynch last year.
Gugino said in a statement that Papa John’s “transformation into a values-driven, innovative category leader has opened an enormous global opportunity.”
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