We're building the world's most loved, trusted and connected restaurant brands in partnership with the best franchise operators in the business.
Approximately
1,500
franchisees
Operating
63,000+
restaurants
In
155+
countries & territories
Careers
Be your best self at Yum!
Investors
Check out our latest earnings release
Our Four Iconic Brands
Trending Yum! News
<p>KFC's global creative momentum was on full display at the 2026 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.</p>
<p>The brand earned eight Lions across three markets this year, with KFC Canada taking home one Gold and three Silver Lions for its "Kyle F*cking Connor" campaign, KFC Thailand snagging two Bronze Lions and one Shortlist for “The Kaprao Criminals” and KFC MENA earning a Bronze Lion for "Om Bdr – 12th Ingredient." The wins showcased how KFC's globally recognized brand can inspire ideas rooted in local culture while resonating on one of the world's biggest creative stages.<iframe width="560" height="315" style="display: table; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-aBoMg6aIQA?si=gfJWPFgrGQPsFzwC" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>Created with Toronto-based agency Courage, KFC Canada's campaign turned Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor's fan-given nickname, often abbreviated as "KFC," into a natural extension of the brand's sponsorship of the team. Rather than simply placing its logo alongside the action, KFC became part of the conversation through branded buckets, fan experiences and social content, earning a Gold Lion in Brand Experience & Activation and three Silver Lions across additional categories.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, KFC Thailand’s “The Kaprao Criminals” campaign brought the brand’s signature humor and cultural fluency to Cannes, earning two Bronze Lions and one Shortlist for an idea rooted in a distinctly local truth: Thailand’s deep love for authentic kaprao. Created with Wolf BKK, the spot playfully spotlighted the “wrong” versions of the beloved dish, turning a familiar food debate into a memorable brand moment that only KFC Thailand could own. The recognition underscored KFC’s ability to transform local cultural insight into globally celebrated creativity, further building on Thailand’s growing track record of award-winning work for the brand.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" style="display: table; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CIN0cXeX2Kk?si=5ymBse6vCxa6j6Cn" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>Another win for KFC came from Saudi Arabia. The market’s Bronze Lion-winning campaign embraced a consumer trend already taking shape across the nation. After fans began posting videos of themselves adding local cook Om Bdr's Srar Hail seasoning to KFC chicken, the brand partnered with her to make it KFC's "unofficial 12th herb and spice." The limited-time collaboration sold out in less than three weeks and became KFC Saudi Arabia's most popular promotion.</p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZ-PuLco2JK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding: 16px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZ-PuLco2JK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" rel="noopener">
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div>
<div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div>
<div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div>
<div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div>
</div>
</a>
<p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZ-PuLco2JK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener">A post shared by TBWA\RAAD (@tbwaraad)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
</p>
<p>This year's recognition builds on KFC's recent success at Cannes. In 2025, <a href="https://global.kfc.com/press-releases/kfc-thailand-wins-historic-gold-in-film-at-cannes-lions-2025-for-let-there-be-cake" >KFC Thailand earned a Gold Lion in Film for "Let There Be Cake,"</a> marking Yum! Brands' first-ever Gold Lion in the Film category. In recent years, campaigns from the United Kingdom, Australia, Thailand, Canada and Saudi Arabia have all demonstrated KFC's ability to adapt iconic brand assets to local culture in meaningful ways.</p>
<p>KFC's influence at Cannes extended beyond the awards stage. Christophe Poirier, KFC global chief concept officer, spoke across various panels, including a session with leaders from Kantar and JKR, <a href="https://www.yum.com/wps/portal/yumbrands/Yumbrands/news/company-stories-article/Behind+the+bucket+How+KFC+cooked+up+its+new+brand+experience" >the creative agency behind KFC’s recent visual identity evolution</a>. During the panel at the Canva Creative Cabana, Poirier and fellow panelists unpacked the strategy behind KFC’s brand evolution while KFC tenders and sauces were served to attendees.</p>
<p><img src="/wps/wcm/connect/yumbrands/b699f2ec-1017-4f55-a987-90b178433b77/1/Image+%2835%29.jpg?MOD=AJPERES" alt="" width="620" title="" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p>Suhayl Limbada, chief marketing officer of KFC India, joined the festival's official <a href="https://www.canneslions.com/festival/programme/cmos-in-the-spotlight-kfc-mastercard-the-coca-cola-company-westpac-banking-corporation-e1-73666" >"CMOs in the Spotlight" session</a> alongside executives from Mastercard, The Coca-Cola Company and Westpac Banking Corporation to discuss how CMOs are using creativity to drive business growth. Meanwhile, leaders from <a href="https://www.canneslions.com/festival/programme/building-brand-lore-rethinking-fame-for-a-fragmented-world-e1-70906" >KFC Spain presented the Festival Talk "Building Brand Lore: Rethinking Fame for a Fragmented World,"</a> sharing how the brand builds cultural relevance through a steady stream of locally meaningful ideas.</p>
<p>Taco Bell also helped shape some of the festival's biggest conversations about creativity, technology and the future of consumer brands. At Sport Beach, Taco Bell Global Chief Brand Officer Taylor Montgomery participated in a panel on building a winning brand alongside Megan Rapinoe, CMO of NY Liberty and a Netflix advertising executive. He also participated in <a href="https://variety.com/2026/biz/news/cannes-lions-variety-in-c-suite-canva-conversations-1236790288/" >Variety's C-Suite Conversations</a>, sharing Taco Bell's "Liberate Taco Tuesday" campaign as an example of culture-driven marketing powered by strong cultural insights.</p>
<p><img src="/wps/wcm/connect/yumbrands/b699f2ec-1017-4f55-a987-90b178433b77/2/Variety-Canva-CannesLions-062326-29.jpg?MOD=AJPERES" alt="" width="620" title="" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p><a href="https://shellypalmer.com/cannes-lions-2026-breakfast/" >Dane Mathews, Taco Bell's global chief Digital & Technology officer, joined a Shelly Palmer fireside conversation</a> with Uber Advertising CMO Kristi Argyilan to discuss how Taco Bell is using AI to improve restaurant operations, enhance the team member experience and create a more seamless customer journey. He later joined Zoom CMO Kimberly Storin for a Deloitte-hosted panel examining AI's role in building stronger brands and delivering meaningful business outcomes.</p>
<p><img src="/wps/wcm/connect/yumbrands/b699f2ec-1017-4f55-a987-90b178433b77/3/Dane+Cannes+1.png?MOD=AJPERES" alt="" width="620" title="" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p>Additional Taco Bell leaders participated in discussions hosted by Publicis Media, Spark Foundry and commerce media partners, reinforcing the brand's reputation for blending creativity, culture and innovation.</p>
<p>From award-winning campaigns to executive thought leadership, Yum! Brands demonstrated that creativity extends far beyond advertising. Whether earning Lions, sharing insights from the festival stage or exploring how AI can strengthen brand experiences, KFC and Taco Bell continue to show how bold ideas can deepen consumer connections and drive business growth. Cannes 2026 offered a glimpse of what's next.</p>
<p>LOUISVILLE, Ky., July 21, 2026 – Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) today announced that Nai De Leon has been appointed Chief People & Culture Officer, effective November 1, 2026. </p>
<p>As Chief People & Culture Officer, De Leon will lead Yum!'s global People & Culture strategy, overseeing Talent, Leadership Development, Total Rewards, Organizational Effectiveness and People Operations across the company's global business. She will report to Yum! Chief Executive Officer Chris Turner and serve on the Yum! Brands Global Leadership Team. </p>
<p>De Leon joined Yum! Brands in August 2025 as Chief Talent & Centers of Excellence Officer leading the company's global People & Culture strategy, as well as the Total Rewards, Learning & Development and Talent Acquisition Centers of Excellence. She has partnered closely with leaders across the company to strengthen talent development, organizational effectiveness and advance the capabilities needed to support Yum!'s long-term growth. </p>
<p>"Nai is an exceptional leader with deep expertise in talent, organizational transformation and leadership development, and she has already made an impact on our business since joining Yum!," said Turner. "Working closely with Tracy and our People and Culture Leadership Team, she has strengthened our talent strategy and built the capabilities that will help us Raise the B.A.R. and power Yum!'s next chapter of growth. Her proven ability to develop leaders, shape culture and drive transformation makes her the ideal person to lead our global People & Culture organization." </p>
<p>Prior to joining Yum!, De Leon spent 20 years with Bain & Company, where she advised global organizations on large-scale transformations, growth strategy, organizational performance and change management. She also led many of Bain's recruiting and leadership development initiatives, helping shape talent practices across the firm. During her nearly decade-long partnership with Yum! as an adviser, she worked closely with the Global Leadership Team on strategic growth and transformation initiatives, providing her with a deep understanding of Yum!'s business, culture and long-term strategy. </p>
<p>Nai succeeds Tracy Skeans, who recently announced her plans to retire after more than 25 years at Yum!, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer and Chief People & Culture Officer.</p>
<p>"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as Yum!'s Chief People & Culture Officer," said De Leon. "Our people and culture are a tremendous competitive advantage, and I'm excited to build on the strong foundation Tracy and our team have established. I look forward to continuing to develop exceptional leaders, strengthen our culture and help our teams around the world unlock their full potential." </p>
<p><b>About Yum! Brands</b></p>
<p>Yum! Brands, Inc. and its subsidiaries franchise or operate more than 63,000 restaurants in 155 countries and territories under its iconic brands — KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger & Grill. KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut are global leaders in the chicken, Mexican-inspired food and pizza categories, respectively. Habit is a fast-casual concept known for fresh, cooked-to-order food. </p>
<p>Fueled by Yum!’s Recipe for Good Growth, KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut led Entrepreneur's 2026 Franchise 500 rankings and its Top Global Franchises 2025 list. In 2026, Yum!’s unrivaled culture and talent led it to be named one of TIME magazine’s list of Best Companies for Future Leaders for the third consecutive year. </p>
