Papa John's chairman keeps CEO post; new COO named

CHICAGO, April 23 (Reuters) - Papa John's International Inc(PZZA.O) said on Thursday that founder and Chairman John Schnatter would stay on as chief executive, and the pizza chain named Joseph Jude Thompson to the roles of president and chief operating officer.

At the request of the board, Schnatter will continue as CEO after returning to the role on an interim basis in December. Thompson, who joined the board in February 2008, will report to Schnatter.

Schnatter will focus on areas such as research and development and sourcing, while Thompson concentrates on other aspects of the day-to-day running of the business, William Street, a board member who led the committee that searched for a permanent CEO, said in a statement.

Thompson, who had held executive positions with WellPoint Inc (WLP.N) and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, was the Papa John's board's liaison with the management team during the search process. (Reporting by Jessica Wohl; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)