KFC Names New President of US Business

KFC has appointed brand veteran Tarun Lal as president of KFC U.S., effective July 15. Lal will succeed Kevin Hochman, who stepped down after five years with the brand on June 3 to become CEO of Brinker Int’l.

A 25-year KFC veteran, Lal currently serves as managing director of the KFC Middle East, Pakistan, Turkey, Africa and India markets. He’s also served as general manager of KFC Africa, KFC global chief operations officer and general manager of KFC India.

He will relocate to KFC’s U.S. headquarters in Louisville, Ky., and report to Dyke Shipp, KFC division president.

“Tarun has proven to be a best-in-class operator with a strong commercial outlook and approach,” says Shipp in a press release. “As he joins the U.S. brand, we are confident he will be met with a similar passion for consistent execution and achieving breakthrough results.”

KFC, a Yum Brands company, has more than 26,000 restaurants in 145 countries and territories.