Senior Leadership

Since January 2020 James has been leading the Papa John’s UK team, working closely with the Franchise Owners, to further grow the brand and enhance store profitability. Prior to taking on the UK role James led the Western Europe and Asia markets, opening France, the Netherlands and Spain as new markets for Papa John’s International. Before joining Papa John’s, James held other senior leadership roles, working in retail, hospitality, QSR, finance and postal sectors.

Steven joined Papa John’s in November 2018 from Skanska, a large Construction Plc, where he held the position of Group Finance Director. Before Skanska he worked with more similar size businesses within the Professional Services (part Franchised), Technology, and manufacturing sectors internationally whose clients included a number of international brands. Steven is a highly driven Finance Director with strategic and commercial acumen, and substantial experience in supporting businesses to improve profitable growth, improve working capital management and strong corporate governance. 

Steven says, “I have responsibility for all Papa John’s corporate UK finance. I have a team of ten people looking after things like: paying suppliers, payroll, insurance policies and financial reporting. Our role is to make the finances run like clockwork!”

Giles has worked in the food and drink industry for 22 years. His background includes responsibility for marketing for organisations including Greene King PLC’s Loch Fyne Restaurants and Merlin Entertainments. During that time, Giles also spent 12 years as an Operator running pubs, restaurants and nightclubs.

To be a good Marketeer Giles believes “a thorough understanding of operations is needed” and he brings this wealth of experience to Papa John’s for the benefit of franchisees.

Juliett has over 20 years’ experience within the field of HR and joined Papa John’s in 2020 as Director of HR for the UK & International. Prior to that Juliett held various HR roles with Mitchells & Butlers, Flybe and British Airways.

Juliett says, “Every day at Papa John’s I am given the chance to create meaningful and lasting relationships, live our values and solve complex problems that can impact the lives of our people. If I can help someone develop, then I have added something to this world.”

Gerry joined Papa John’s in 2009. Gerry has worked in food manufacture and distribution in a career spanning 30 years. Previously working for household names such as Heinz and Weetabix, Gerry has the extensive experience necessary to manage Papa John’s Milton Keynes QCC which processes up to 100,000 fresh doughballs every day adhering to the very highest food and safety standards.

Gerry says, “I have overall responsibility for the dough manufacturing and distribution for Papa John’s UK, along with all the warehousing for the food ingredients. My team of 60 people work in shifts to prepare two deliveries per week of fresh dough to every store in the UK. Our transportation network covers 2 million miles per year to ensure our franchisees are stocked up with fresh ingredients.”

Justin Gilbert started his ten-year career with Domino’s in the US where he held positions in both marketing and operations. In addition to his experience in the States, Justin has also held roles within its international business supporting Master Franchisees across Europe. During his time with Domino’s International, he was responsible for a portfolio of 1000+ stores and 15+ markets. In 2014, he moved to the UK to serve as Head of Operations for Domino’s Pizza Group, the Master Franchisee for the UK and Ireland. In 2016, he joined Yum! Brands as a member of its leadership team in the role of Director of Operations for Pizza Hut Delivery, responsible for the operations, standards, and training of 420 Pizza Hut Delivery and Express units, both equity and franchised.

Justin says, “I am excited about the direction of Papa John’s in the UK. My team will be concentrating on further improving ROI for stores and taking advantage of untapped market opportunities to meet the needs of customers nationwide as we continue to develop the brand.”

David joined Papa John’s in 2013 from Pizza Hut where he worked in an IT role for 20 years. His wealth of experience in both IT and the fast food industry also includes managerial roles running pubs and restaurants. As an ‘ex-operator’ he has a unique insight and understanding into the priorities of our franchisees. 

David says, “Our goal is to ensure all our franchisees have the IT infrastructure they need to run a profitable business.”

Phil has more than 20 years’ experience in the food industry ensuring quality, food safety & legality and NPD. His background includes QA responsibilities at PepsiCo, 2Sisters Food Group and Iceland Supermarkets. In his time in the industry Phil has covered multiple areas within retail and manufacturing including meat, poultry, fish, cheese, added value products in the frozen, fresh and ambient categories. Prior to joining Papa John’s, he has been successfully involved in developing and launching products and ranges from all over Europe, Brazil, Chile and Thailand.

He joined Papa Johns in 2012 to cover QA for UK and Europe and is now responsible for all International Markets and a team of 6 people from Mexico to India to China.

Phil says, “The team work together to ensure the quality and food safety ‘from farm to fork’ for all our products, stores and customers! This is something the whole team is passionate about!”

Amit joined Papa John’s Pizza in May 2021 from Domino’s Pizza, where he held the role of Head of Property, responsible for growing the store portfolio to over 200 stores. Prior to that, Amit was the Head of Estates for Domino’s Pizza looking after over 1,000 stores in the UK.

Amit has spent the last ten years developing his knowledge of the Franchise business model, having worked as both franchisor and franchisee. Along with his time in retail property and the quick-service-restaurant industry, Amit brings a wealth of insight and experience to his new role as Business Development Director.

Amit says, “I am really excited to be a part of the journey that Papa John’s is on. I’ll be working tirelessly to ensure that there is a Papa John’s outlet in every major town and city. It’s great to be in a position to expand on a winning formula with my team.”