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Taco Bell names Jason Kidd as global COOTaco Bell names Jason Kidd as global COO

Executive most recently served as president of Hearing Lab Technology and succeeds Mike Grams in the role

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

February 9, 2024

1 Min Read
Taco bell jason kidd global coo social
Taco Bell has named Jason Kidd as global chief operating officeer, succeeding Mike Grams.Taco Bell

Taco Bell has named Jason Kidd as global chief operating officer to succeed Mike Grams, who is stepping down, the company confirmed Friday.

taco-bell-global-coo-jason-kidd.jpgA spokesperson for the Irvine, Calif.-based Taco Bell, a division of Louisville, Ky.-based Yum! Brands Inc., said the succession was effective Feb. 5.

Kidd succeeds Grams, president and global COO, “who is acting as an adviser for the brand balance of year until Mike retires at the end of 2024,” the spokesperson said.

Kidd most recently served as president of Hearing Lab Technology LLC. Previously, he held management roles at 99 Cents Only Stores, and Sam’s Club.

As of Dec. 31, the end of the 2023 fiscal year, Taco Bell had 8,564 restaurants and sales of $15.915 billion.

Parent Yum also owns the KFC, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger Grill brands.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Follow him on X/Twitter: @RonRuggless

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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