– USA, WA – Papa Murphy’s Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:FRSH) the world’s leading take ‘n’ bake pizza franchise, today announced that Jean M. Birch, Rob Weisberg and Jeffrey B. Welch have been appointed as independent members of its Board of Directors, effective April 15, 2015. The appointments replace both Thomas H. Lee and Achi Yaffe, who have resigned from the Board, as well as increase the Board size by one seat.
“We are pleased to welcome three high quality individuals to our Board of Directors, whose diverse experience and strengths bolster our leadership,” said John Barr, Chairman of Papa Murphy’s Holdings, Inc. “Jean’s extensive leadership experience in the restaurant industry along with Rob’s deep marketing background and Jeff’s expertise in franchise development and operations will be invaluable to our company. Their collective knowledge and experience will be a great addition to our Board as we continue to execute on our growth strategy and build long-term value for our shareholders.”
Jean M. Birch brings more than 20 years of experience leading top restaurant brands to Papa Murphy’s Board. Currently, she serves as the Chief Executive Officer and President of Birch Company, LLC. Previously, Mrs. Birch served as President of IHOP Restaurants, Inc., where she repositioned and focused IHOP’s brand and innovative culinary strategy. Prior to IHOP, Mrs. Birch served as President of Romano’s Macaroni Grill and President of Corner Bakery Café. Mrs. Birch also held executive leadership roles within YUM! Brands, Inc., a global quick service restaurant company, including Vice President, Operations for Taco Bell, Inc. and, Senior Director, Concept Development for Pizza Hut, Inc. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Cosi, Inc. and Darden Restaurants, Inc. and previously served on the Board of Directors of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Rob Weisberg joins Papa Murphy’s Board with extensive consumer marketing expertise and experience leading growth brands. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Invaluable, the world’s leading online live auction marketplace. Prior to Invaluable, Mr. Weisberg served for three years as Chief Marketing Officer at Zipcar, Inc., where he contributed to the company’s membership growth and initial public offering. Previously, Mr. Weisberg spent 5 years as Vice President of Multimedia Marketing at Domino’s Pizza where he led the introduction of online ordering. Prior to Domino’s Pizza, Mr. Weisberg worked in account services at several prominent advertising and public relation agencies including Ogilvy & Mather.
Jeffrey B. Welch brings international franchise development experience to Papa Murphy’s Board. Currently, he serves as an international development consultant with the Gerson Lehrman Group. Previously, Mr. Welch held various executive roles within Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc., including President, International and Senior Vice President and General Manager of Global Franchise Operations and Development. Prior to Krispy Kreme, Mr. Welch served as the Vice President, Real Estate, International for The Home Depot, Inc. Throughout his career he has held various positions for Tricon Global Restaurants, Inc. where he focused on business and franchise development for leading restaurant brands, including Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell.
About Papa Murphy’s
Papa Murphy’s Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:FRSH) is a franchisor and operator of the largest Take ‘N’ Bake pizza chain in the United States, selling fresh, hand-crafted pizzas ready for customers to bake at home. The company was founded in 1981 and currently operates over 1,400 franchised and corporate-owned fresh pizza stores in 38 States, Canada and United Arab Emirates. Papa Murphy’s core purpose is to bring all families together through food people love with a goal to create fun, convenient and fulfilling family dinners. In addition to scratch-made pizzas, the company offers a growing menu of grab ‘n’ go items, including salads, sides and desserts.
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