Restaurant India News: Yum! Brands Appoints Chris Turner as CEO and Director, Marking Major Leadership Change

Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) has confirmed a significant leadership change, effective October 1, 2025. Chris Turner, who was announced as the incoming Chief Executive Officer earlier this year, will also join the company’s Board of Directors on the same date.

Brian Cornell, Non-Executive Chair of the Yum! Brands Board, said, “We look forward to welcoming Chris to the Board as he takes on the Chief Executive role and leads Yum! into its next stage of growth. His appointment will further deepen collaboration between leadership and the Board, ensuring Yum!’s continued success.”

Turner was named CEO-designate on June 13, 2025, and will succeed David Gibbs, who announced in March his decision to retire after a 36-year tenure with the company, including a successful period as CEO.

Since 2019, Turner has held the position of Chief Financial Officer and, in 2024, took on expanded responsibilities as Chief Franchise Officer. His role has included overseeing finance, corporate strategy, supply chain, franchise standards, and franchise support. As part of the leadership transition, Gibbs will also step down from the Board on October 1, 2025. However, he will remain connected to the company as an executive advisor through 2026, ensuring continuity during the change.

This leadership shift marks an important moment for Yum! Brands as it prepares for its next phase of growth in the global hospitality and restaurant industry.