Papa John's is taking another step to distance itself from its founder.

The pizza chain is removing John Schnatter's image from its marketing after racially charged comments he made became public Wednesday, a company spokesman confirmed to CNBC. The news was first reported by The Associated Press.

The decision was made by top executives and the exact timing of his removal from these materials is still being decided, the AP said, citing a source familiar with the matter. The source was not aware of any plans to change the pizza chain's name.