Louisville's CEO problem

Several Louisville companies are led by CEOs that have chosen not to live in Louisville.

But how much that matters seems to be up for debate — and we chat about that on this week's Access Louisville podcast.

LBF Senior Reporter Joel Stinnett is on this week's show to talk about an in-depth report that he just finished on CEOs leading Louisville companies from somewhere else. Humana Inc., Yum Brands and Papa Johns International Inc. are a few big examples, but there are others as well. 

For the story, Stinnett talked to executives who said that not having the CEO present can impact both the community and the workplace culture.

“When company leaders reside here, things get done,” including building stadiums, zoos, parks and so on, John Schnatter, former CEO of Papa Johns International Inc. told Stinnett. Others, such as Scott Catlett, formerly chief legal officer at Yum Brands Inc., spoke about how it can impact morale inside the workplace.

On the other side of the issue, we heard from local executives like Trever Pawl, head of the Louisville Economic Development Alliance, who said the Louisville companies that have CEOs based elsewhere are among the largest and best-run in the world.

‘We’re just fortunate to have the global companies here that are reinvesting the way they are at a pretty rapid pace.”

Also on this week's show

Later in the show, Stinnett tells us about a new bourbon development coming to Broadway. Von Payne Spirits is planning to open a “Gothic-inspired” distillery and tasting room inside the former Whiteside’s Bakery Co. building at 1400 W. Broadway, according to a news release. 

We also chat about the Courier Journal recently announcing plans to move out of its building. The news outlet's longtime home on Broadway is still for sale, however.

Additionally, we discuss Bourbon & Beyond — one of two music festivals planned in Louisville in September (the other being Louder Than Life). Danny Wimmer Presents, the company behind those festivals recently struck an interesting deal with University of Louisville Athletics, which we talk about on the show. 

Access Louisville is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First. It's available on popular podcast services including Apple Podcasts and Spotify (which are linked above.) You can also listen in the player above.