Chris Turner Named Yum! Brands CEO, Shares Rise

Yum! Brands has named Chris Turner, currently Chief Financial and Franchise Officer, as CEO effective October 1, 2025, succeeding retiring CEO David Gibbs. Turner joined Yum in 2019, following senior roles at PepsiCo and McKinsey, and has led digital initiatives, including Byte by Yum! and Saucy by KFC. He is expected to prioritize digital ordering and value menus as the fast-food industry responds to evolving consumer spending habits. Under Gibbs, Yum! expanded to nearly 61,000 global restaurants and surpassed $30 billion in digital sales in 2024. Gibbs will remain as an advisor through 2026 to aid the transition. Shares of Yum! Brands have risen about 5% this year, reflecting strong financial performance.