Papa John’s has announced it has strengthened its property and franchise department with the appointment of Stuart Yates as UK acquisitions manager and Jonathan Mott as construction and development manager. Both new recruits will support franchisees in the opening of new stores.

“We are proud to welcome two such experienced professionals to our team,” said Dave Galvin, UK franchise sales manager. “Stuart’s area of responsibility is to secure new premises and arrange suitable leasehold agreements on behalf of our franchisees while Jonathan will manage and co-ordinate the complete planning and fit out process of stores, up to the delivery to the new franchisee.”

Yates, a chartered surveyor, previously spent four years as estates surveyor for bookmaker William Hill and was previously a graduate surveyor for the civil service. “Papa John’s is growing rapidly and I was impressed with enthusiasm of the team and keen to become a part of the overall success plan,” said Yates.

Mott, also a chartered surveyor, previously spent six years at Colliers International – Papa John’s retained property consultants – and so understands how to address the challenges of the company’s construction and development business on behalf of its franchisees. Mott commented: “I will be managing the process from planning stage to completion in order that the handover to the new franchisee goes as smoothly as possible. As the number of outlets grows, it is important that the head office team is in place to provide the right assistance at the right time to all our franchisees, allowing them to get on with the day-to-day aspects of running their businesses.”