Papa Murphy’s Holdings Inc. has named Nik Rupp chief financial officer, effective April 9.
Rupp replaces Mark Hutchens, who will retain his role as the take-and-bake pizza chain’s chief operating officer, the company said on Tuesday.
Rupp most recently served as CFO of Specialized Bicycle Components. Earlier, he held several positions at Nike.
“I am very pleased to welcome Nik to Papa Murphy’s,” said Weldon Spangler, CEO of the Vancouver, Wash.-based operator, in a statement. “His financial leadership and strategic planning expertise will add significant value to our entire team as we continue to execute our long-term initiatives and build brand momentum. We are also fortunate to have Mark’s breadth of financial acumen and experience dedicated to our franchise owners’ profitability moving forward in his role as chief operating officer.”
Rupp said he looked forward to joining Papa Murphy’s.
“I have admired the company for its unique and high-quality product, and I look forward to working with the team to help drive growth in the business and deliver long-term value for shareholders,” he said in a statement.
The announcement of Rupp’s appointment came a month after the appointment of Laura Szeliga as chief marketing officer.
In the fourth quarter ended Jan. 1, Papa Murphy’s net income was $13.5 million, an increase from $1.5 million the previous year. Revenue declined to $30.7 million, compared with $35.5 million the previous year. Domestic same-store sales fell 2.6 percent.
Papa Murphy’s has more than 1,500 locations in the U.S., Canada and United Arab Emirates.
