Yum! Brands elected Chris Turner as its Chief Executive Officer, starting from October 1, 2025. Currently, he is the Chief Financial Officer for the world’s biggest restaurant company, a role he has held since 2019. As of 2024, he has also taken on the Chief Franchise Officer position. Turner will succeed David Gibbs, who is retiring. Gibbs remains CEO until September 30, 2025, and will serve as an adviser to the Company until the end of 2026 to ensure a seamless transition.
As Yum! Brands CEO, Turner will focus on executing Yum!’s mission of growing the restaurant brands globally.
He was behind the company’s digital and technology transformation projects, Yum! Highlights, through initiatives such Byte by Yum!, an AI-driven restaurant technology platform; a centralized, global Supply Chain Center of Excellence; and Saucy by KFC, creating a new restaurant concept.
“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,” said Turner. “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.”
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to lead Yum! Brands and work with such passionate, talented people across our global system throughout my almost 37 years with the company,” said Gibbs. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together and am confident that the best is yet to come. 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.”
Yum! Brands, Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky, and its subsidiaries franchise or operate a system of nearly 61,000 restaurants in more than 155 countries and territories under the company’s concepts – KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger & Grill.
Pictured: Taco Bell’s new restaurant design, called Taco Bell Defy (2022)
Photo: Yum! Brands
