Shaquille O’Neal, a retired basketball player, becomes the sixth person to be added to the Papa John’s board this quarter. O’Neal will additionally serve as a brand ambassador.
O’Neal is no stranger to the restaurant industry. O’Neal’s recent ventures include the opening of Big Chicken, a fried chicken joint in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to this, O’Neal has invested in nine Papa John’s in the Atlanta-area, he owns a Krispy Kreme Doughnuts franchise in Atlanta and has previously owned 27 Five Guys Burgers, and Fries franchised units.
Steve Ritchie, Papa John’s CEO, said, “In addition to his business acumen, Shaquille understands how to build lasting connections with consumers and energise employees. I look forward to working with him as a board member and brand partner to advance the many initiatives we are pursuing across the organisation to create even greater success for Papa John’s and our stakeholders.”
In response, O’Neal said, “I look forward to working with my colleagues on the board and using my experience in business and community to build on the progress being made at Papa John’s. Papa John’s is building a better culture, and I want to be a part of improving the company from the inside out.”
