The NBA hall of famer cited his numerous other business ventures for his decision.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal will no longer be part of the Papa Johns board of directors.
O'Neal informed the board of his decision last week not to run for re-election this year. His current term expires May 2.
In a news release, O'Neal cited his numerous other business commitments for his decision.
“Shaquille joined the board five years ago during a challenging time for the company, providing an important vote of confidence in its future potential, management team and board of directors,” said Christopher Coleman, chairman of the Papa Johns board of directors. “We appreciate his many contributions during his tenure.”
O'Neal will continue to serve as an "important partner" to the company as a brand ambassador and through his investment in nine Papa Johns locations in the Atlanta area. Papa Johns is co-headquartered in Louisville and Atlanta.
“While my other business commitments make it challenging to extend my board service for another term, I am looking forward to continuing my partnership with Papa Johns, a brand I’ve loved since my days playing basketball at LSU,” O’Neal said. “I am grateful for the valuable experience I gained on the Papa Johns Board and am proud to have played a role in making the company culture into what it is today, including being recognized as a best employer for diversity three years in a row. The company has experienced significant growth over the past five years and has a great future ahead.”
Three new board members have been appointed in the last seven months. The company said it has not many any decisions regarding additional appointments.
“I would like to thank Shaquille for his service to the Board," President and CEO Rob Lynch said. "When I met with Shaquille during my interview process for the Papa Johns CEO position, his passion for creating positive change in the company was a big selling point for me. I’m grateful for the positive impact he’s had on our culture and the unique perspectives he’s provided on creating deep connections with consumers. Today, Papa Johns is in a much different place thanks, in part, to Shaquille’s involvement with the brand. We are supportive of his professional growth through his other business ventures and look forward to continuing to work with him through our marketing partnership and as a franchisee.”
O'Neal is also joint owner of numerous Five Guys Burgers and Auntie Annie's Pretzels locations, and is involved with car washes, fitness centers and nightclubs around the country. He is also a member of the "NBA on TNT" crew.
Papa Johns is the world's third-largest pizza delivery company with more than 5,900 restaurants in 50 countries and territories.
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