Papa Murphy’s International Names Mark Hutchens New Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Hutchens brings nearly 25 years of progressive financial leadership experience, with an extensive history in the restaurant and retail sector.

Jan 29, 2014 - 07:13
Papa Murphy’s International, the largest take ’n’ bake pizza chain in the United States, today announced that Mark Hutchens will join the Company as Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.

Mr. Hutchens brings nearly 25 years of progressive financial leadership experience, with an extensive history in the restaurant and retail sector. Most recently, he served as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer – International for Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLMN), where his responsibilities included finance, business development and supply chain management activities for Outback Steakhouse International. Mr. Hutchens also served on the Boards of Directors for Bloomin’ Brands’ joint venture businesses in China and Brazil, and recently led efforts to acquire controlling interest in the Brazil operation.

"We are pleased to be able to add someone of Mark’s caliber to our senior executive team,” said Ken C. Calwell, Chief Executive Officer and President of Papa Murphy’s International. “He is a seasoned executive who is highly regarded for his business development and financial acumen. Mark has a long history of demonstrated leadership, and we believe that he will be a valuable asset as we continue to grow our 1st Choice brand.”

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Prior to his role at Bloomin’ Brands, Mr. Hutchens was employed at Office Depot (NYSE: ODP), where he served as Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer from 2008 to 2012, also having responsibility for shared services and procurement from 2010 to 2012. From 2006 to 2008, Mr. Hutchens served as Senior Vice President Finance, International Division. During that period, Mr. Hutchens served on the Board of Directors of the company’s joint venture in Mexico and Central America.

Before joining Office Depot, Mr. Hutchens spent 10 years at YUM! Brands (NYSE: YUM) in roles of increasing responsibility, most recently as Assistant Treasurer – Corporate Finance. He was General Auditor from 2003 to 2005 and worked at YUM! Restaurants International from 2002 to 2003 as Director, Mergers and Acquisitions. From 1997 to 2002, he worked in various headquarters finance roles, including Financial Planning and Analysis and Treasury. He began his YUM! Brands career at KFC Corporation in 1996.

Prior to joining YUM! Brands, Mr. Hutchens held a variety of roles of increasing responsibility from 1989 to 1996 within the Finance Staff and Product Development functions at Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F).

Mr. Hutchens holds MBA and BS degrees from Indiana University and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).

Papa Murphy's Pizza has been named Zagat’s “#1 Rated Pizza Chain” for the past three consecutive years. The company currently operates over 1,400 franchised and corporate-owned fresh pizza stores in 37 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.