Yum Brands Funnels $800K Into New Programs

Yum Brands is putting professional training of the next generation on the front burner.

Today, the brand, along with the University of Louisville, announced the upcoming launch of new “Accelerating Growth” executive education programs at the Yum Center for Global Franchise Excellence. The programs look to equip operations leaders to take on senior management roles in franchise organizations—an area identified as a key opportunity by franchisees and leadership at the center, which has provided education through the UofL College of Business since 2021.

As part of its $100 million global Unlocking Opportunity Initiative, Yum Brands is providing over $800,000 to launch the “Accelerating Growth” programs, which is in addition to the $3.5 million commitment the company made to initially launch the Yum Center for Global Franchise Excellence. The goal of Yum Brands’ Unlocking Opportunity Initiative is to create opportunities for education and entrepreneurship for employees, frontline restaurant teams and communities around the world.

The program will kick off during the summer and fall 2024 semester. It will consist of a six-month Level 1 program designed to train general managers and area coaches for a vice president role as well as an advanced one-year program customized to prepare vice presidents for a role as president of a franchise organization. Both programs include online and experiential education, and the advanced program also includes a final simulation and development of a business plan.

The Yum Center for Global Franchise Excellence has educated over 900 students since its creation, with 423 undergrad, 50 graduate-level and 500 executive education enrollees.