Yum Brands Names Chris Turner as New CEO

By Hao Liu • Tuesday, June 17 15:21 • Permanent Link

Yum! Brands, Inc. has announced the appointment of Chris Turner as the Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2025, succeeding David Gibbs, who has been the CEO since January 2020. Turner, who currently serves as the company's Chief Financial & Franchise Officer, will be taking over the reins from Gibbs, who will continue to serve as an adviser to the company until the end of 2026.

Under Gibbs' leadership, Yum! Brands experienced significant growth, with nearly 61,000 restaurant units worldwide and digital sales surpassing $30 billion in 2024. Moreover, over 50% of sales were generated through digital channels during his tenure.

Turner, who has been with Yum! Brands since 2019, has played a pivotal role in driving the company's digital and technology transformation. He has been instrumental in initiatives such as the establishment of Byte by Yum!, an AI-driven restaurant technology platform, and the launch of Saucy by KFC, a new restaurant concept.

Yum! Brands' Board of Directors expressed their gratitude to Gibbs for his visionary leadership, acknowledging his role in strengthening, transforming, and growing the business during unprecedented times. They have expressed confidence in Turner's ability to lead the company forward and accelerate its momentum.

As Yum! Brands' CEO, Turner will be responsible for executing the company's mission of growing its restaurant brands globally. His focus will be on driving the company's Good Growth strategy, including digital initiatives and scaling bold innovation to power its iconic brands.

Yum! Brands, Inc. operates a system of nearly 61,000 restaurants in more than 155 countries and territories under its concepts – KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger & Grill. The company has been recognized for its sustainability efforts and was named among TIME magazine’s list of Best Companies for Future Leaders in 2025. The market has reacted to these announcements by moving the company's shares -1.43% to a price of $141.94. For more information, read the company's full 8-K submission here.

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