Yum! Brands has announced the promotion of Scott Mezvinsky, aged 49, to the role of CEO of its KFC Division, effective from 1 March 2025.
Mezvinsky, the current president of Taco Bell North America and International, will report directly to Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs.
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He succeeds Sabir Sami, who is set to step down at the end of February.
Mezvinsky will be responsible for steering KFC’s global brand strategy and performance.
Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs said: “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.”
“In his most recent role as president of Taco Bell North America and International, Scott has helped implement Taco Bell’s well-known bold and exciting ideas and ensured that global restaurant teams and customers have an industry-leading experience. He is a natural choice to lead KFC’s long-term global growth strategies, working in close partnership with our franchisees.”
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By GlobalDataMezvinsky previously served as Taco Bell’s global chief strategy and financial officer, where he played a pivotal role in advancing the brand towards its $20bn target.
He has worked for Yum! Brands since 2004 in multiple significant roles, including general manager of KFC Iberia where his leadership resulted in unprecedented growth in sales and expansion in 2018 and 2019.
He was also chief development officer and vice-president for development and operations in the KFC Latin America and Caribbean market.
His academic credentials include a BBA in Accounting from Southern Methodist University and an MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.
Scott Mezvinsky said: “It is a tremendous honour to lead an iconic brand such as KFC and have the opportunity to work with talented, dedicated leaders and franchise partners around the world.
“There aren’t many brands that are as well-loved and well-known as KFC, and I am very excited to play a role in continuing to strengthen and accelerate the growth of this legendary brand in virtually every corner of the world.”
His predecessor Sabir Sami, who has been at the helm of the KFC Division since January 2022, joined Yum! Brands in 2009.
His roles included KFC Division chief operating officer and managing director of KFC Asia, and leadership positions in the KFC Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and Turkey markets. He also managed Yum! Canada and the KFC Canada and Turkey businesses.
Sami will continue to serve as KFC Division CEO until the end of February 2025 to facilitate a smooth transition.
David Gibbs continued: “I would like to thank Sabir for his years of service and dedication to Yum! Brands and KFC, and the meaningful impact he has had on our business.
“He is a highly respected leader in our company and the industry, whose focus on strategic brand building and operations has helped elevate the KFC brand around the world. We wish him well as he enjoys this new phase of life with his family.”
