Yum Brands Appoints Next CEO

Yum Brands has named Chris Turner its next CEO, effective Oct. 1.

Turner, who currently serves as chief financial and franchise officer for Yum, will succeed current CEO David Gibbs, who, in March, announced his intention to retire in the next year after 37 years with the company. Gibbs will serve as an adviser to the company until the end of 2026 to ensure a seamless transition.

Turner has served as Yum’s CFO since 2019 and expanded his role to include chief franchise officer in 2024, with responsibilities for finance, corporate strategy, supply chain, franchise standards and support. In recent years, he has played a part in accelerating the company’s digital and technology transformation through initiatives like the establishment of Byte by Yum, an AI-driven restaurant technology platform; launching a centralized, global Supply Chain Center of Excellence; and the creation of the concept Saucy by KFC.

“We are thrilled to appoint Chris as the next CEO—a proven leader with a deep understanding of the business, strategic expertise, financial acumen and unique perspectives that will help accelerate our growth,” says Brian Cornell, non-executive chairman of the Yum’s board of directors, in a release.

Yum, based in Louisville, Ky., has a system of nearly 61,000 restaurants in more than 155 countries and territories under the company’s concepts KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger & Grill.