Dive Brief:
- KFC has hired Tarun Lal, the company’s current managing director for KFC Middle East, Pakistan, Turkey, Africa and India, as president of KFC U.S., effective July 15, according to a press release.
- Lal will report to Dyke Shipp, KFC division president, and move to KFC U.S. headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky.
- He will replace Kevin Hochman, who left KFC U.S. on June 3, to serve as CEO and president at Brinker International.
Dive Insight:
Lal brings extensive experience with the brand serving within KFC for over 25 years in various positions, including general manager of KFC Africa, KFC global chief operations officer and general manager at KFC India. In his prior role at KFC Africa, he oversaw launches into multiple new markets, the company said.
Many of these regions reported significant growth during Q1 2022. The Middle East reported 40% system sales growth, due to robust transaction growth. That team has been focusing on increasing customer engagement through digital and off-premise channels even while dine-in business bounced back, David Gibbs, Yum Brands CEO, said during the company’s Q1 2022 earnings call. Africa also grew systemwide sales by 25% during the quarter, he said.
Lal joins KFC U.S. as it begins to accelerate growth this year with a focus on opening Next Generation stores that will have digital and technology integrations. The company is also working to increase convenience for customers, especially for off-premise, adding quick pickup shelves and a white-label delivery option, Gibbs said.
