<p>Operating in more than 155 countries and territories, Yum! and its brands are making steady progress on sustainability through everyday actions and strategic partnerships. </p>
<p>“Whether it’s improving packaging, protecting the landscapes where our ingredients are sourced or working with partners around the world, these efforts reflect how we’re building a more resilient business for the future,” said Yum! Chief Sustainability Officer Jon Hixson. </p>
<p>This work to reduce environmental impact and strengthen the people and communities connected to Yum!’s business continues through both incremental improvements and larger-scale collaborations. </p>
<p>At Pizza Hut U.S., a redesigned wing bowl is helping to make recycling easier — and setting a new standard for the industry. The award-winning packaging, <a href="https://plasticsrecycling.org/resources/apr-recycling-leadership-award-winners-announced-to-honor-excellence-in-plastics-recyclability-2/" >recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers</a>, removes materials like carbon black and excess fillers that previously made it non-recyclable. It also incorporates recycled content, helping increase the supply of food-grade recycled plastic available and enabling more packaging to be reused at scale.</p>
<p>“This redesign is about making better choices at every stage of the packaging lifecycle,” said Emily True, director of sustainability at Pizza Hut. “From materials to recyclability, we’re working to reduce waste and support more sustainable systems while still delivering the quality our customers expect.” </p>
<p>In the United States’ Intermountain West region, <a href="https://www.nfwf.org/partnerships/corporate-partners/taco-bell" >Taco Bell is continuing its partnership</a> with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to promote healthier grazing lands for cattle.</p>
<p>“We’re all about democratizing access to quality, flavorful meals at an affordable price,” said Missy Schaaphok, Taco Bell senior director of Global Nutrition & Sustainability in <a href="https://www.tacobell.com/newsroom/taco-bell-cargill-and-national-fish-and-wildlife-foundation-partner-to-restore-habitats-and-expand-sustainable-farming-practices-in-beef-supply-chain" >a press release</a>. “What people don’t see directly on our menu is how we also prioritize sustainability just as much as craveability.”</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/wps/wcm/connect/yumbrands/a1f81847-4264-4648-8212-045d29bcb23b/1/Newsroom-newsroom-2023-E04-TacoBellCargillNFWFAnnouncement-Masthead-jpeg%281%29.jpg?MOD=AJPERES" alt="" title="" style="margin: 0px auto; display: block;" />Photo credit: NFWF<br /></p>
<p>Through the Rocky Mountain Rangelands Program, <a href="https://www.nfwf.org/media-center/press-releases/nfwf-announces-1-8-million-support-working-lands-and-restore-wildlife" >new grants</a> are helping rebuild wildlife habitats, improve water management and assist ranchers in adopting more sustainable practices. Projects include restoring hundreds of acres of land, improving grazing across more than 300,000 acres and protecting key migration corridors for wildlife. </p>
<p>And in South America, <a href="https://www.conservation.org/partners/conservation-international-kfc" >KFC is working with Conservation International</a> to enable more sustainable production of palm oil and soy, two ingredients used across all of Yum!’s brands global food system. The collaboration focuses on land management in Brazil and Ecuador, helping reduce deforestation and empowering farmers, while also strengthening supply chains that millions of customers rely on every day. Collectively, this work is part of broader, landscape-level initiatives designed to create positive outcomes for both people and nature. </p>
<p>These efforts demonstrate how Yum! continues to build on its long-standing sustainability initiatives. Together with KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill, Yum! is taking practical steps, working with partners and finding new ways to create value for theits business and the broader world.</p>
<p><b>Louisville, KY, April 1, 2026</b> – Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) today announced the appointment of Kathleen (Leeny) K. Oberg, former Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Development of Marriott International, Inc., to its Board of Directors, effective April 1, 2026. </p>
<p>“Leeny is a highly accomplished leader with deep global experience and a strong track record of driving disciplined growth,” said Brian Cornell, non-executive chairman of the Yum! Brands Board of Directors. “Her expertise and perspective will be a strong addition to our board and will help guide our strategy. We are pleased to welcome her to Yum! Brands.” </p>
<p>“We are thrilled to welcome Leeny to the Yum! Brands Board of Directors,” said Chris Turner, Chief Executive Officer, Yum! Brands. “With nearly three decades at Marriott International, her impressive background includes driving growth, financial discipline and operational performance. Her experience will be an asset as we work to raise the bar across our business and accelerate strong unit economics for our franchisees.” </p>
<p><b>About Kathleen (Leeny) K. Oberg</b></p>
<p>Ms. Oberg served as Marriott International, Inc.’s Chief Financial Officer from 2016 until 2026 and Executive Vice President, Development, of Marriott from 2023 until 2026. </p>
<p>Previously, Ms. Oberg was the Chief Financial Officer for The Ritz-Carlton from 2013-2015, where she contributed significantly to the brand’s performance, growth and organizational effectiveness. Prior to that role, Ms. Oberg served in a range of financial leadership positions with Marriott, including Senior Vice President, Corporate and Development Finance and Senior Vice President, International Project Finance and Asset Management for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. </p>
<p>Ms. Oberg first joined Marriott as part of its Investor Relations group in 1999. Prior to that, she held a variety of financial leadership positions with Sodexo (previously Sodexo Marriott Services), Sallie Mae, Goldman Sachs and Chase Manhattan Bank. Ms. Oberg was previously a member of the American Hotel and Lodging Association's IREFAC Council. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Adobe, Inc. </p>
<p>She earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce with concentrations in finance and management information systems from the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce, and she received an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. </p>
<p><b>About Yum! Brands</b> <br>Yum! Brands, Inc., and its subsidiaries franchise or operate more than 63,000 restaurants across over 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 Burger & Grill is a fast-casual concept known for made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches and more. </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>
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