Yum! Brands has announced that Chris Turner will become Chief Executive Officer effective October 1, 2025, succeeding current CEO David Gibbs, who will stay on as an adviser through 2026. Turner, currently the company’s Chief Financial & Franchise Officer, has played a key role in digital transformation efforts and global franchise initiatives, including the development of Byte by Yum! and Saucy by KFC.

Gibbs, who served as CEO since 2020 and has been with the company for 37 years, led Yum! through the COVID-19 pandemic and drove major growth in digital sales and new restaurant openings. The board expressed strong confidence in Turner’s leadership to advance Yum!’s growth and innovation strategies across its global portfolio, which includes KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger & Grill.