Little Rock, Arkansas, December 15, 2025
In a notable leadership change, Chris Turner has been appointed CEO of Yum! Brands, effective October 1, 2025. An Arkansas native, Turner previously served as CFO and Chief Franchise Officer. He is expected to advance the company’s innovation strategy and oversee its continued growth in the competitive fast-food industry. Yum! Brands operates nearly 61,000 restaurants globally, and under Turner’s leadership, the company aims to enhance its technological initiatives and consumer experiences.
Little Rock, Arkansas – Chris Turner Appointed CEO of Yum! Brands
Steering Yum! Brands Toward Innovation and Growth
Little Rock, Arkansas – In a significant leadership shift, Chris Turner, an Arkansas native from DeWitt, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Yum! Brands, effective October 1, 2025. His appointment follows the retirement of David Gibbs, who served the company for 37 years, including five as CEO. Turner’s promotion signals a strong commitment to innovation within a company recognized for its iconic fast-food brands.
Turner joined Yum! Brands in 2019, where he initially took on the role of Chief Financial Officer before advancing to Chief Franchise Officer in 2024. His experience has already contributed to significant advancements at Yum!, such as the creation of Byte by Yum!, an AI-driven restaurant technology platform, and Saucy by KFC, a new restaurant concept that shows promise in luring modern consumers. His diverse background includes senior positions at PepsiCo and consulting expertise from McKinsey & Company, providing him with a robust foundation for leading Yum! Brands into its next chapter.
Leadership Transition and Company Growth
As David Gibbs prepares to transition to an advisory role through 2026, Turner will inherit a company that has successfully expanded to nearly 61,000 restaurants across more than 155 countries and territories under Gibbs’ stewardship. This expansion showcases the resilience and adaptability of Yum! Brands, enabling it to thrive in a competitive global market.
About Yum! Brands
Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Yum! Brands is the parent company of beloved restaurant chains including KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger & Grill. The firm’s expansive reach provides significant economic contributions not just to Louisville but also globally, demonstrating the power of entrepreneurship and private investment.
Chris Turner’s Impressive Background
Before his tenure at Yum! Brands, Turner led PepsiCo’s retail and e-commerce business with Walmart across the United States and over 25 other countries. His extensive experience at McKinsey & Company further underlines his strategic acumen, having directed various practices as a partner in the firm’s Dallas office. An MBA holder from Stanford University and a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Arkansas add to his qualifications for leading Yum! Brands into the future.
Technological Advancements in Recent Years
Yum! Brands has made notable strides in digital and technological innovation, reflected in the launch of Byte by Yum! and the establishment of a centralized global Supply Chain Center of Excellence. These initiatives not only enhance the operational efficiency of the brand but also align with evolving consumer preferences towards technology-driven service experiences.
Financial Performance and Market Resilience
The financial health of Yum! Brands remains robust, as evidenced by digital sales hitting over $30 billion in 2024, making up more than 50% of the company’s total sales. With a reported revenue of $7.5 billion for the year, there has been a significant uplift from the preceding year, indicating an ongoing trend of consumer loyalty and brand stability.
A Bright Future Ahead
With Chris Turner at the helm, Yum! Brands appears poised for continued growth, focusing on further innovations in products and technology as well as expanding its global footprint. The company’s dedication to enhancing consumer experiences promises a vibrant future for both the brand and its consumers around the world.
Support Your Local Economy
As this new chapter begins for Yum! Brands, it serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting local businesses and staying engaged in the economic growth initiatives happening in Louisville and beyond. By prioritizing local entrepreneurship and innovation, communities can foster environments ripe for job creation and increased economic resilience. Are you ready to be part of this positive momentum?
FAQ
Who is Chris Turner?
Chris Turner is an Arkansas native from DeWitt who has been appointed CEO of Yum! Brands, effective October 1, 2025. He has been with the company since 2019, serving as CFO and Chief Franchise Officer.
What is Yum! Brands?
Yum! Brands, Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is the parent company of KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger & Grill. The company operates nearly 61,000 restaurants in over 155 countries and territories.
What initiatives has Yum! Brands undertaken recently?
Yum! Brands has focused on digital and technological advancements, including launching Byte by Yum!, an AI-driven restaurant technology platform, and establishing a centralized global Supply Chain Center of Excellence. Additionally, the company introduced Saucy by KFC, a new restaurant concept.
What is Yum! Brands’ financial performance?
Yum! Brands reported digital sales surpassing $30 billion in 2024, accounting for over 50% of total sales. The company’s revenue for 2024 was $7.5 billion, marking a significant increase from the previous year.
What is the future outlook for Yum! Brands?
Under Chris Turner’s leadership, Yum! Brands aims to continue its growth trajectory, focusing on innovation, digital transformation, and expanding its global presence. The company remains committed to delivering exceptional experiences for consumers worldwide.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| CEO Appointment | Chris Turner appointed CEO of Yum! Brands, effective October 1, 2025. |
| Leadership Transition | David Gibbs retires after 37 years; remains as executive advisor through 2026. |
| Company Overview | Yum! Brands operates nearly 61,000 restaurants in over 155 countries and territories. |
| Recent Initiatives | Launched Byte by Yum!, established global Supply Chain Center of Excellence, introduced Saucy by KFC. |
| Financial Performance | Digital sales surpassed $30 billion in 2024, accounting for over 50% of total sales. |
| Future Outlook | Focus on innovation, digital transformation, and global expansion under Turner’s leadership. |
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