Yum! Brands promotes Taco Bell president to lead KFC Division

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Yum! Brands, Inc. announced the promotion of a new CEO for the KFC Division on Monday.

Scott Mezvinsky, 49, was promoted to CEO of the KFC Division. He will report to Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs effective March 1, 2025.

Mezvinsky has worked for Yum! Brands, Inc. for 20 years and currently serves as president of Taco Bell North America and International. He will succeed Sabir Sami, who is stepping down as KFC CEO at the end of February.

"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," Gibbs said in a Business Wire release. "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."

Mezvinsky has served as Taco Bell's Global Chief Strategy and Financial Officer.

"It is a tremendous honor to lead an iconic brand such as KFC and have the opportunity to work with talented, dedicated leaders and franchise partners around the world," Mezvinsky said. "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."

Sami has been CEO of the KFC Division since Jan. 2022.

KFC has more than 30,000 restaurants in 150 countries.

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Yum! Brands promotes Taco Bell president to lead KFC Division