Louisville-based Yum! Brands has named Scott Mezvinsky as its new KFC CEO, effective March 1.

Mezvinsky, 49, a 20-year veteran of the company, who currently serves as President of Taco Bell North America and International, will succeed Sabir Sami, who is stepping down as KFC CEO at the end of February 2025, according to a news release announcing the change.

Mezvinsky will assume global responsibility for driving the brand strategy and performance of KFC.

“Scott is one of Yum! Brands’ most respected leaders, with more than 20 years of experience with the company in areas including operations, strategy, finance and development and a strong track record of delivering impactful results,” Yum! Brands Chief Executive Officer David Gibbs said in the news release. “In his most recent role as President of Taco Bell North America and International, Scott has helped implement Taco Bell’s well-known bold and exciting ideas and ensured that global restaurant teams and customers have an industry-leading experience. He is a natural choice to lead KFC’s long-term global growth strategies, working in close partnership with our franchisees.”

Mezvinsky has also been Taco Bell’s Global Chief Strategy & Financial Officer, leading the finance, development and strategy functions to help reach the company’s goal of becoming a $20 billion brand, among other roles, including General Manager of KFC Iberia, and roles in the KFC Latin America and Caribbean market.

“It is a tremendous honor to lead an iconic brand such as KFC and have the opportunity to work with talented, dedicated leaders and franchise partners around the world,” Mezvinsky said.

Sami has been CEO of the KFC Division since January 2022 and has held a variety of executive positions with Yum! Brands since 2009.

“I would like to thank Sabir for his years of service and dedication to Yum! Brands and KFC, and the meaningful impact he has had on our business,” said Gibbs. “He is a highly respected leader in our company and the industry whose focus on strategic brand building and operations has helped elevate the KFC brand around the world. We wish him well as he enjoys this new phase of life with his family.”

Reach food and dining reporter Amanda Hancock at [email protected].