Papa Johns names Lyn-Sue global CMO, adds Walmart Express Delivery
After 18 months of reviewing strategic options, including a possible sale, Papa Johns named Chris Lyn‑Sue its global chief marketing officer in August. It also launched a Walmart Express Delivery partnership, becoming the first national restaurant brand on the service from outside Walmart stores. Papa Johns will revive a barbell model of everyday value plus promotional pulses, backed by national ads and local co‑op and field marketing.
Papa Johns will revive a barbell model of everyday value plus promotional pulses, backed by national ads and local co‑op and field marketing. The Walmart Express Delivery partnership targets new customers and offers fresh marketing angles, with little overlap seen between Walmart shoppers and DoorDash or Uber Eats users. Papa Johns, which began testing third‑party delivery in 2019, will treat Walmart like other aggregators while shifting its media mix toward mass exposure in 2026.
“Pizza and delivery have always gone hand in hand, and one of the main opportunities for us is driving that further convenience and making sure that, as consumers’ behaviors continue to evolve, that we evolve alongside them,” Chris Lyn‑Sue, Chief Marketing Officer, Papa Johns said.
Before the August decision, Papa Johns had spent 18 months evaluating strategic alternatives, including a possible sale. Earlier, the chain had outlined plans to rebalance its media mix toward mass exposure, build a field marketing team and reinstate marketing co‑ops, and it had begun testing third‑party delivery with various partners in 2019.
What we know
Papa Johns spent 18 months exploring strategic alternatives, including a possible sale.
Chris Lyn-Sue was appointed as global chief marketing officer.
Papa Johns partnered with Walmart to offer delivery using Walmart Express Delivery, becoming the first national restaurant brand on the service from locations outside Walmart stores.
Papa Johns began testing third‑party delivery in 2019.
Papa Johns plans to rebalance its media mix toward greater mass exposure, stand up a field marketing team and reinstate marketing co‑ops for the majority of the system.