June 01, 2011 // Franchising.com // VANCOUVER, Wash. – Papa Murphy's International, America's take 'n' bake pizza leader and fifth largest pizza chain in the U.S., today announced the hiring of Ken Calwell to the position of President, effective June 6th. He will report to John Barr, Papa Murphy's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Ken joins Papa Murphy's with over 20 years of leadership experience at large quick service restaurant chains. Most recently Ken was the Chief Marketing Officer for Wendy's International where he was accountable for all Brand Marketing, Advertising, New Product Development, Pricing, Field Marketing, and Research and Development. Prior to joining Wendy's, Ken was the Chief Marketing Officer and Executive VP of Research and Development at Domino's Pizza where he was part of the leadership team that executed a comprehensive business turnaround and led the company through an IPO in 2004. Prior to joining Domino's, Ken also held leadership positions at Frito Lay, Pizza Hut, and The Pillsbury Company.
"We are excited and very fortunate that Ken will be joining our senior management team," said Barr. "Ken is an accomplished restaurant industry executive with deep expertise leading highly visible consumer brands."
Ken holds a B.B.A. from Washburn University and an M.B.A. from Indiana University. Ken currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
Papa Murphy's is the fifth-largest pizza chain in the country and a revolutionary of the take 'n' bake pizza segment. Papa Murphy's operates over 1,250 franchised and corporate-owned locations in 37 states and Canada. The Vancouver, Wash.-based company offers custom-made pizzas featuring high-quality, fresh toppings generously layered on pizza dough that is made fresh each morning in each store. By baking Papa Murphy's pizzas at home, customers get to experience the home-baked aroma of a convenient, delicious meal that the brand is known for. In addition to handmade pizzas, the company offers other take 'n' bake items such as Cheesy Bread, Cinnamon Wheels, and chocolate chip cookie dough. Papa Murphy's was voted "#1 Rated Pizza Chain" by participants in Zagat Survey's 2010 Fast Food Survey and is a four-time recipient of Pizza Today's Chain of the Year award. For more information, visit www.papamurphys.com or go to Facebook at www.facebook.com/papamurphyspizza.
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