Papa Murphy's International, America’s take ‘n’ bake pizza leader and fifth largest pizza chain in the U.S., 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 CEO.
Ken joins Papa Murphy’s with more than 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,” Barr says. “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.
