Restaurant India News: Sapphire Foods Names New KFC Chief Following Deepak Taluja’s Resignation

Sapphire Foods India Ltd has announced a series of leadership changes across its KFC and Pizza Hut businesses following the resignation of Deepak Taluja, President and Chief Executive Officer of its KFC division.

According to a regulatory filing dated May 29, Taluja will step down from his position effective at the close of business hours on July 24, 2026. He will continue in his current role during the notice period and support business operations until his departure.

As part of the leadership transition, Sapphire Foods has appointed Vikrant Vohra as President and Chief Executive Officer of the KFC business with effect from July 25, 2026. Vohra currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the company’s Pizza Hut business and will continue to be a member of the senior management team.

Vohra brings nearly two decades of hospitality industry experience and has previously worked with brands including The Park, Hyatt, Taj and Marriott International. Within Sapphire Foods, he has held leadership responsibilities across KFC operations in Karnataka, Kerala and West India before moving to lead the Pizza Hut business.

The company has also promoted Saurabh Girdhar to Assistant Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Pizza Hut business, effective July 25, 2026. Girdhar currently oversees Pizza Hut operations as Chief Operating Officer for Bangalore and Kerala.

Sapphire Foods said Girdhar has more than 17 years of experience in the quick service restaurant sector and has previously worked with Yum India and Devyani International before joining the company.

In his resignation letter, Taluja said he had the privilege of serving this organisation for 10 years and thanked the company’s leadership team and colleagues for their support throughout his tenure. He also stated that he would continue to assist with the transition process during the notice period.

The leadership changes come as Sapphire Foods continues to strengthen its management structure across its KFC and Pizza Hut businesses, which remain key growth drivers within the company’s quick service restaurant portfolio.