The show must go on. The ongoing corporate turmoil at pizza chain Papa John’s isn’t stopping the firm from pursuing an aggressive marketing strategy to keep its brand top of mind among consumers.
A company spokesman confirmed today that it has selected Endeavor Global Marketing as its new creative agency of record and strategic marketing partner.
The selection comes amid an ongoing corporate battle pitting former company CEO and chairman John Schnatter against the company he founded, which ousted him as chairman last month after revelations he used racist language during a conference call in May.
In the wake of those revelations, four agencies resigned their Papa John’s assignments, including Initiative, Fallon, Olson Engage and Laundry Service.
Forbes was the first to report Schnatter’s use of racist language, then followed up with an explosive report about the company’s “toxic culture” that was allegedly fueled by Schnatter.
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The corporate battle continues. Late last month, Schnatter sued the company for breach of fiduciary duty, negligence and bad faith in the way it handled his forced departure.
Despite the distractions, the company knew it had to keep its advertising and marketing program on track.
“We met with the Endeavor Global Marketing team, led by Bozoma Saint John, Ed Horne and Seth Matlins, and they blew us away with their perspective, experience and creativity,” stated Steve Ritchie, CEO of Papa John’s. “The brand is at a pivotal moment. We need to earn back the trust of the consumer, and we need to demonstrate our commitment to being inclusive. We believe Endeavor Global Marketing is the right team to help us do that.”
Pivotal moment?
I guess that’s a tactful way of saying we’re in the middle of a F*%king Sh*t show and badly need help on the marketing front.
And kudos to the current Papa John’s management team for realizing that reality and taking steps to deal with it.