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KFC names Paul Tuscano to newly-created chief digital officer roleKFC names Paul Tuscano to newly-created chief digital officer role

Paul Tuscano joins KFC U.S. from Marriott, where he spent seven years working in product management.

Alicia Kelso, Executive Editor

July 14, 2023

1 Min Read
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KFC U.S. has created a new role to support parent company Yum Brands’ goal of reaching 100% digital sales mix across all of its brands. Paul Tuscano has been named chief digital officer, effective Aug. 1, reporting to President Tarun Lal.

Tuscano is tasked with executing KFC’s “digital roadmap,” and ensuring digital capabilities are in place to support the customer. He will work alongside Chris Caldwell, chief technology officer, who will continue to lead restaurant technology initiatives, including the restaurant technology support call center.

Paul_Tuscano_Headshot.jpegTuscano, left, joins KFC U.S. from Marriott, where he spent seven years working in product management for Marriott’s digital organization, most recently as vice president of Onsite Digital and Mobile Products. In this role, he was responsible for the Marriott Rewards/Ritz Carlton/SPG apps, the Bonvoy app and all guest digital/technology experiences.

Prior, Tuscano spent over 10 years with Verizon Wireless developing new digital and wireless products across multiple industries. He has an MBA from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Concordia University. 

“Paul’s impressive career has focused on providing customers with an optimal experience, and his passion for the customer journey makes him the right leader to take our digital business to the next level,” Lal said in a statement.

Related:KFC hires Coca-Cola veteran Jonathan Ojany as CFO

His hire comes as KFC’s digital business continues to ramp up. Globally, the company’s digital sales mix increased by 8% from 2021 to 2022 and now makes up over 40%. For its part, KFC U.S. is rapidly expanding kiosks throughout its stores and executives have stated intentions to launch a new loyalty program this year to support Yum’s 100% digital sales mix goal.

Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]

About the Author

Alicia Kelso

Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News

Alicia Kelso is the executive editor of Nation's Restaurant News. She began covering the restaurant industry in 2010 for QSRweb.com, FastCasual.com and PizzaMarketplace.com. When her son was born, she left the industry to pursue a role in higher education, but swiftly returned after realizing how much she missed the space. In filling that void, Alicia added a contributor role at Restaurant Dive and a senior contributor role at Forbes.
Her work has appeared in publications around the world, including Forbes Asia, NPR, Bloomberg, The Seattle Times, Crain's Chicago, Good Morning America and Franchise Asia Magazine.
Alicia holds a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University, where she competed on the women's swim team. In addition to cheering for the BGSU Falcons, Alicia is a rabid Michigan fan and will talk about college football with anyone willing to engage. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her wife and son.

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