The pull of the pizza business is strong for former Pizza Hut marketer Jenna Bromberg, who has just been named chief marketing officer (CMO) of Papa Johns.
Since 2020, Bromberg has overseen marketing for baby and kids clothing retailer Carter’s, most recently as vp brand marketing and creative.
Before that, she spent five-and-a-half years as director of core brand marketing at Pizza Hut, with a stint as senior director of brand marketing for hotel chain Hampton by Hilton in between.
Bromberg joins Papa Johns as the brand seeks to improve perceptions around value and build out its digital experiences.
She will sit on the leadership team, reporting to recently appointed chief executive (CEO), Todd Penegor, who said in a statement: “Jenna’s track record of building strong brands and driving innovative marketing campaigns makes her the ideal leader to help take the Papa Johns brand into its next chapter.”
He added: “Her proven ability to connect with modern consumers, combined with her deep understanding of the restaurant industry, particularly her experience in the pizza segment, will be invaluable as we continue to expand our market presence.”
A slice of data-driven marketing
Bromberg will now lead brand development, creative initiatives, digital customer experience, and marketing strategy to elevate Papa Johns via data-driven campaigns and overseeing product innovation.
Bromberg added, “The pizza industry has always been close to my heart, and I’m energized by the opportunity to combine my consumer retail experience with my restaurant industry background to create compelling, innovative marketing strategies that will connect with our customers, as well as bring new consumers to the brand.”
The business has struggled in recent years owing to customers returning to pre-pandemic takeout habits, unexpected inflation rises, and labor shortages. In its most recent Q3 earnings update on 7. Nov. Papa Johns said North America sales were down 6% year-on-year, while international sales declined 3% on the back of stores closing in key markets including the U.K.
Revenues were down 3% overall compared to the same period in 2023.
Under former CMO Mark Shambura, who took the reins in April 2023, the pizza chain appointed The Martin Agency as its creative agency of record and awarded Dentsu’s Carat to handle media buying.
When he announced the agency roster in Dec. 2023, Shambura wanted to expand upon the brand’s longtime slogan, “Better Ingredients, Better Pizza,” and celebrate the culture around one of America’s favorite foods.
By Apr. 2024, Papa Johns had debuted a second tagline, “Better Get You Some,” with Shambura saying he wanted to create a tone that was “ accessible dialogue,” around the brand.