Scott Mezvinsky, who has served as president of Taco Bell North America and International since February 2024, has been named chief executive officer of KFC, effective March 1. Mezvinsky will report to Yum Brands CEO David Gibbs and replaces Sabir Sami, who is stepping down at the end of February.
In his role, Mezvinsky will assume global responsibility for brand strategy and performance of Yum’s KFC division, which represents 50% of the company’s divisional operating profit. He has been with Yum Brands for 20 years, including as Taco Bell’s Global Chief Strategy & Financial Officer, leading the finance, development and strategy functions to help reach the company’s goal of becoming a $20 billion brand.
Since joining Yum in 2004, Mezvinsky has also held various roles at KFC and Yum, including general manager of KFC Iberia, which achieved record same-store sales growth, net new unit growth and ops metrics on his watch in 2018 and 2019. He also held roles in the KFC Latin America and Caribbean market, including chief development officer and vice president, development and operations.
“Scott is one of Yum Brands’ most respected leaders, with more than 20 years of experience with the company in areas including operations, strategy, finance and development and a strong track record of delivering impactful results,” Gibbs said in a statement. “In his most recent role as president of Taco Bell North America and International, Scott has helped implement Taco Bell’s well-known bold and exciting ideas and ensured that global restaurant teams and customers have an industry-leading experience. He is a natural choice to lead KFC’s long-term global growth strategies, working in close partnership with our franchisees.”
“It is a tremendous honor to lead an iconic brand such as KFC and have the opportunity to work with talented, dedicated leaders and franchise partners around the world,” Mezvinsky added in a statement. “There aren’t many brands that are as well loved and well known as KFC, and I am very excited to play a role in continuing to strengthen and accelerate the growth of this legendary brand in virtually every corner of the world.”
Mezvinsky received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Southern Methodist University and MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Sami has been CEO of the KFC Division since January 2022 and has held executive positions with Yum Brands since 2009, including KFC Division COO and managing director of KFC Asia, managing director for the KFC Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and Turkey markets, and GM of Yum Canada and GM of the KFC Canada and Turkey businesses.
“I would like to thank Sabir for his years of service and dedication to Yum Brands and KFC, and the meaningful impact he has had on our business,” Gibbs added. “He is a highly respected leader in our company and the industry whose focus on strategic brand building and operations has helped elevate the KFC brand around the world. We wish him well as he enjoys this new phase of life with his family.”
Sami remains KFC Division CEO through the end of February 2025, to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
KFC includes more than 30,000 restaurants in 150 countries and territories around the world.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]
