Pizza Hut Names New President

Pizza Hut U.S. named a new president in David Graves, who currently serves as the brand’s general manager.

Graves will assume the role on Jan. 1, 2022, and be responsible for franchise operations, driving profitable same-store sales and performance for the U.S. business. He will report to Pizza Hut Division CEO Aaron Powell.

“David has a well-deserved reputation for delivering results, repeatedly demonstrating his expertise in identifying solutions to business challenges that not only enhance the experience for customers, but also benefit restaurant economics, and I couldn’t be more pleased by his promotion,” says Powell in a press release.

Graves joined Pizza Hut in early 2020 as chief brand officer and was credited for playing a role in the development and continued execution of Pizza Hut’s turnaround strategy. Before joining Pizza Hut, Graves worked for Yum Brands’ KFC U.S. and led marketing strategy and was responsible for much of the food innovation credited in KFC’s turnaround.

Before joining Yum Brands in 2016, he worked for Proctor and Gamble, leading innovation and insights for several large brands in the consumer packaged goods space.

With Graves’ appointment, Interim Pizza Hut U.S. President Kevin Hochman, who dually serves as president and chief concept officer for KFC U.S., will resume full-time leadership of KFC U.S. Hochman has served in the interim role since late 2019. He was brought on board to help strengthen the brand and accelerate innovation.