Scott Catlett, who has served as Yum Brands’ chief legal and franchise officer and corporate secretary since August 2020, is leaving the company. Louisville Business First initially reported Catlett’s departure, which was confirmed by Yum Brands in an email to Nation’s Restaurant News.
“Scott is an incredible leader who has made a tremendous impact at Yum and our brands. He has played a critical leadership role in numerous pivotal moments at Yum and has been an excellent strategic partner and counselor. We want to thank Scott for his years of thought leadership, commitment to excellence, passion for our people-first culture and mentoring across the organization. While we will miss Scott, we wish him well as he starts a new chapter outside of Yum,” chief executive officer David Gibbs said in a statement.
Catlett has been with the company for nearly 18 years in various roles, starting as corporate counsel in 2007. In 2014, he was promoted to vice president and associate general counsel, then to vice president and deputy general counsel. From 2018 to 2020, he served as general counsel and corporate secretary before joining the C-suite. He is one of 16 members on Yum’s leadership team, including leaders from its four brands – KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and the Habig Burger & Grill.
He was credited for leading the execution of the company’s 2016 spinoff of Yum China Holdings Inc., as well as the creation of Yum’s Center for Global Franchise Excellence in partnership with the University of Louisville.
Upon his departure, Erika Burkhardt has been named Yum’s chief legal officer and corporate secretary. According to her LinkedIn account, she has served as Yum’s associate general counsel since July 2020. Prior, she worked with Pizza Hut as vice president of brand protection, general counsel, and other roles. Earlier in her career, she was an associate at two law firms. Burkhardt received her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado Boulder and her law degree from Duke University.
“Erika is a seasoned and respected leader throughout Yum, who leads by example and has earned the trust of her peers and teams alike,” Gibbs said.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]
