Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) has announced the promotion of Scott Mezvinsky, 49, to the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its KFC Division, effective March 1, 2025. Mezvinsky, who has been with the company for over 20 years, is currently serving as President of Taco Bell North America and International. He will succeed Sabir Sami, who will step down as KFC CEO at the end of February 2025.
In his new role, Mezvinsky will oversee global operations and performance for KFC, leading the brand’s strategy and growth initiatives. He will report directly to Yum! Brands CEO, David Gibbs.
“Scott is one of Yum! Brands’ most respected leaders,” said Gibbs. “His extensive experience across operations, strategy, finance, and development has delivered significant results. His leadership at Taco Bell has been instrumental in creating bold, customer-focused strategies, and he is the ideal person to guide KFC’s global growth and long-term success.”
Before his current position, Mezvinsky served as Taco Bell’s Global Chief Strategy & Financial Officer, where he played a key role in driving the company toward its goal of becoming a $20 billion brand. He has also held leadership positions at KFC, including General Manager of KFC Iberia, where he helped the market achieve record growth in sales, unit expansion, and operational performance.
Mezvinsky holds a BBA in Accounting from Southern Methodist University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
“I’m honored to lead KFC, a brand so beloved and recognized around the world,” Mezvinsky said. “I look forward to working alongside our talented leaders and franchise partners to continue strengthening and accelerating KFC’s growth globally.”
Sabir Sami, who has been CEO of KFC since January 2022, will remain in the role until the end of February 2025 to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Sami has held several key positions at Yum! Brands, including KFC Division Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of KFC in multiple regions.
David Gibbs praised Sami for his years of leadership and impact on the KFC brand. “Sabir’s strategic focus and operational expertise have elevated KFC’s presence worldwide. We thank him for his dedication and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life.”
The leadership transition is set to take place seamlessly at the end of February, with Mezvinsky officially taking over on March 1, 2025.
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