Taco Bell President Becomes KFC CEO

Scott Mezvinsky will soon trade tacos for fried chicken.

Yum Brands announced Mezvinsky will step up to the role of KFC Division CEO, effective March 1. He currently serves as president of Taco Bell North America and International.

In his new role, Mezvinsky will report to Yum CEO David Gibbs, and will assume global responsibility for driving the brand strategy and performance of KFC. Mezvinsky succeeds Sabir Sami, who will step down as KFC CEO at the end of February.

“Scott is one of Yum! Brands’ most respected leaders, with more than 20 years of experience with the company in areas including operations, strategy, finance and development and a strong track record of delivering impactful results,” says Gibbs in the release.

Prior to his most recent role, Mezvinsky was Taco Bell’s global chief strategy and financial officer, leading the finance, development and strategy functions to help reach the company’s goal of becoming a $20 billion brand. He joined Yum in 2004, and has held various roles at KFC and Yum.

Yum, based in Louisville, Ky., oversees over 60,000 restaurants in more than 155 countries and territories under the company’s concepts: Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger & Grill.