Louisville-based Yum! Brands names new CEO effective Oct. 1

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Yum! Brands board unanimously elected a new CEO effective Oct. 1, 2025.

In a news release Tuesday, the Louisville-based fast food giant said Chris Turner, 50, will succeed current Chief Executive Officer David Gibbs, who announced his retirement earlier this year.

Turner serves as the chief financial and franchise officer for Yum! Brands. The company said he's been instrumental in pushing digital initiatives, supply chain updates and the creation of a new Saucy by KFC restaurant concept. He has also worked closely with Gibbs and the Yum! Brands leadership to foster collaboration.

"I'm deeply honored to step into the role of CEO at Yum! Brands and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead this global company with such iconic brands," Turner said in the news release. "I want to sincerely thank David Gibbs for his exceptional leadership and partnership. I'm excited to build on all that we've accomplished together alongside our talented teams and in partnership with our franchisees around the world, as we innovate, grow our brands and continue delivering exceptional experiences for our consumers."

After 37 years with the company, Gibbs will stay on as an adviser to Yum! Brands until the end of 2026.

"I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together and am confident that the best is yet to come," he said in a written statement. "During my time partnering with Chris, he's demonstrated deep knowledge of our business, strong values and a clear commitment to our growth. I can't think of a better person to guide Yum! into its next chapter, and I look forward to supporting a smooth and successful transition."

Prior to joining Yum! Brands, Turner led PepsiCo's retail and e-commerce business with Walmart in the U.S. and more than 25 countries.

While Yum! Brands and the KFC Foundation will keep corporate offices in Louisville, the company is relocating about 100 employees to Plano, Texas, which is the KFC and Pizza Hut Global Headquarters.

Yum! Brands, Inc. operates or franchises 61,000 restaurants in more than 155 countries and territories. Brands include KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger & Grill.

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