With Taco Bell ramping up growth outside the U.S., the Irvine, Calif.-based chain has tapped veteran KFC international leader Nikki Lawson as its next global chief brand officer.
Lawson, whose appointment was mentioned briefly during Yum Brands’ fourth quarter earnings call Thursday, will start in April. The 20-year KFC marketing veteran previously worked as managing director of KFC South Pacific. Before that, she held various marketing positions at KFC, including chief marketing and development officer of KFC's South Pacific division.
Lawson (left) will report to Taco Bell CEO Mark King, a former Adidas executive who joined the company in early August.
In her various positions, Lawson has helped elevate the KFC brand and customer engagement, Taco Bell said.
“One of our biggest opportunities moving forward is positioning Taco Bell as the powerhouse global brand that it is, pushing us to continue to be a brand beyond QSR,” King said in a statement. “With her proven track record and unbelievable heart, I can’t think of anyone better for the job than Nikki, and I know her addition will strengthen Taco Bell’s position for another decade of global growth.”
Lawson, who was heavily involved with KFC programs that help youth reach career goals, said she’s excited to join Taco Bell as it looks to grow internationally.
“I’ve loved every moment of leading the KFC brand in the SOPAC region and working with the dynamic people and franchise partners who are at the heart of the success we have enjoyed. To now have the opportunity to join the incredible Taco Bell brand is beyond exciting,” Lawson said in a statement. “I’m so impressed by their innovative culture and strong connection with customers and look forward to driving the next chapter of Taco Bell’s growth and purpose across the globe.”
Lawson replaces Taco Bell’s former global CBO, Marisa Thalberg, who left the company in early August. In January, Thalberg was named executive vice president and chief brand and marketing officer at Lowe’s Companies, Inc., based in North Carolina.
Taco Bell and its franchisees operate nearly 7,400 restaurants around the world. Of those, about 600 units are outside of the U.S. The company has previously stated that it would like to reach 1,000 international units by 2022.
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