| |NOVEMBER 20248CIOReviewIN MY OPINIONFrom Football Fields to Financial Futures Growing up in a single-parent household, my father instilled a strong work ethic in me. As the first in my family to attend college, I played football to help open doors to higher education. I left Tampa, Florida, to pursue my degree in economics at Campbellsville University in Kentucky. I began my career in banking, seeking stability, but soon realized it wasn't the right fit for my family. I transitioned into auditing at a barge company in Indiana, where I spent nearly a decade honing my analytical skills and expertise in financial planning. My move to risk management in the marine sector allowed me to connect with frontline workers and understand both operational and financial risk complexities, highlighting the importance of cross-departmental communication. I received a call from Papa John's during a challenging time for the company and was excited about the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by transitioning from the marine industry to the restaurant sector. Risks on the Menu In my new role, I've faced challenges, particularly in technology and cybersecurity, which I've embraced as learning opportunities. These experiences have helped me grow, and I now feel well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the evolving digital landscape. I manage significant risks related to auto delivery and our trucking division, overseeing approximately 500 corporate restaurants in the U.S. and around 6,000 franchise locations globally, with 5,500 being franchise-related. Given the impact of evolving regulations, understanding the risk associated with franchise operations is crucial. Fortunately, I have a strong support team to help navigate these complexities and enhance enterprise risk management. Data privacy has become a growing priority, as implementing strong protections is critical to safeguarding our customers while maintaining our commitment to quality. This responsibility, alongside managing claims and mediations, adds complexity, particularly as we face unique industry challenges. We can proactively address these emerging risks to ensure a secure and resilient operation. Cybersecurity is equally essential, focusing on resilience, business continuity, and data recovery. Though incidents may be infrequent, they demand significant attention, especially By J.J. Fuqua, Director of Global Risk Management, Papa John'sBALANCING STABILITY AND STRATEGY IN RISK MANAGEMENT Kevin Johnson, director of Global Risk Management at Papa John's, brings over 15 years of experience in risk management and insurance. He focuses on global risk strategies, emphasizing worker safety, brand protection, and navigating complex legal landscapes. Johnson believes the risk management industry is evolving positively, particularly in its technology adoption and communication transparency.
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