Yum! Brands Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Yum! Brands has 10 executives leading key functions including finance, marketing, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to operational excellence, Yum! Brands focuses on developing, operating, and franchising quick-service restaurants globally, specializing in chicken, pizza, and Mexican-style food categories to deliver exceptional value and convenience to customers worldwide.

Leadership Roles at Yum! Brands

  • Chief Financial Officer - Ranjith Roy
  • Global Chief Financial Officer, At Pizza Hut Franchise Markets - Jason Minton
  • Global Chief Financial Officer, KFC - Alexandra Barsk
  • Chief Operating Officer Pizza Hut - Patrick Murtha
  • President & Global Chief Operating Officer, Pizza Hut - Shannon Garcia
  • Transformation Director, Strategy & To KFC Chief of Staff (US) & President - Shah-Ali-Shah Dhukka
  • Chief Marketing Officer, KFC Menapakt & Cis Yum Brands - Ahmed Arafa
  • Chief Marketing Officer, KFC Sopac - Vanessa Rowed
  • Chief Marketing Officer, Taco Bell (Latin America & The Caribbean) - Karla Patino
  • Chief Marketing Officer, Pizza Hut - Jennifer Ligotti
  • Ranjith Roy - Chief Financial Officer

    Ranjith Roy, the Chief Financial Officer at Yum! Brands, directs the financial strategy and operations for the organization. Roy oversees all fiscal activities, including financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, ensuring robust financial health across the company's diverse brand portfolio. This leadership position involves managing capital allocation, optimizing financial performance, and driving profitability through strategic financial management. Roy's oversight extends to risk management and compliance, safeguarding the company's assets and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards. The Chief Financial Officer's role is critical in providing financial insights that support executive decision-making and long-term business growth. Ranjith Roy's expertise guides the company's financial direction, impacting global market performance and investor relations.

    Jason Minton - Global Chief Financial Officer, At Pizza Hut Franchise Markets

    Jason Minton, the Global Chief Financial Officer, At Pizza Hut Franchise Markets at Yum! Brands, manages the financial operations specifically for Pizza Hut's franchise markets worldwide. Minton's primary focus is on optimizing financial performance and ensuring profitability for a significant portion of the Pizza Hut brand's global footprint. This involves developing financial models, analyzing franchise performance metrics, and providing strategic financial guidance to franchise partners and internal stakeholders. The Global Chief Financial Officer's role requires a deep understanding of international finance, taxation, and currency exchange to navigate diverse market conditions. Jason Minton's financial acumen is essential for supporting the growth and sustainability of Pizza Hut's extensive franchise network, driving value for both franchisees and the parent company.

    Alexandra Barsk - Global Chief Financial Officer, KFC

    Alexandra Barsk, the Global Chief Financial Officer, KFC at Yum! Brands, directs the financial strategy and oversight for the KFC brand globally. Barsk is responsible for all financial planning, analysis, reporting, and capital management activities that support KFC's worldwide operations. This critical role involves ensuring financial discipline, driving profitable growth, and identifying opportunities for cost optimization across KFC's extensive international network. The Global Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include managing relationships with investors and financial institutions, providing strategic financial insights to guide executive decisions, and ensuring compliance with global financial regulations. Alexandra Barsk's financial leadership is instrumental in maintaining KFC's strong market position and driving its continued expansion.

    Patrick Murtha - Chief Operating Officer Pizza Hut

    Patrick Murtha, the Chief Operating Officer Pizza Hut at Yum! Brands, oversees the operational execution and performance of the Pizza Hut brand globally. Murtha directs strategies focused on enhancing operational efficiency, improving customer experience, and driving consistent growth across Pizza Hut's extensive network of restaurants. This leadership position involves managing supply chain logistics, restaurant operations, and franchise support to ensure seamless service delivery and brand standards are met worldwide. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include optimizing operational processes, implementing best practices, and fostering a culture of excellence. Patrick Murtha's operational leadership is crucial for maintaining Pizza Hut's competitive edge and driving its global expansion initiatives.

    Shannon Garcia - President & Global Chief Operating Officer, Pizza Hut

    Shannon Garcia, the President & Global Chief Operating Officer, Pizza Hut at Yum! Brands, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the Pizza Hut brand worldwide. Garcia is responsible for driving growth, enhancing profitability, and ensuring operational excellence across all global markets. This comprehensive leadership role involves overseeing franchise relations, supply chain management, restaurant operations, and innovation initiatives to elevate the Pizza Hut customer experience. The President & Global Chief Operating Officer's mandate includes developing and implementing long-term strategies that strengthen Pizza Hut's market position and drive sustainable expansion. Shannon Garcia's leadership guides the brand's global trajectory, focusing on operational efficiency and strategic market development.
    Shannon Garcia

    Shah-Ali-Shah Dhukka - Transformation Director, Strategy & To KFC Chief of Staff (US) & President

    Shah-Ali-Shah Dhukka, the Transformation Director, Strategy & To KFC Chief of Staff (US) & President at Yum! Brands, drives strategic initiatives and operational transformation for KFC in the United States. Dhukka focuses on enhancing efficiency, optimizing business processes, and implementing strategic plans to support KFC's growth objectives within the US market. This multifaceted role involves close collaboration with executive leadership to align strategy with operational execution and to ensure seamless communication between the President's office and key departments. The Transformation Director's responsibilities include leading change management efforts, analyzing market opportunities, and developing strategic frameworks that foster innovation and competitive advantage. Shah-Ali-Shah Dhukka's strategic direction is critical for KFC's ongoing transformation and success in the US.

    Ahmed Arafa - Chief Marketing Officer, KFC Menapakt & Cis Yum Brands

    Ahmed Arafa, the Chief Marketing Officer, KFC Menapakt & Cis Yum Brands at Yum! Brands, spearheads marketing initiatives across the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, and CIS regions for the KFC brand. Arafa develops and executes comprehensive marketing strategies designed to enhance brand visibility, drive customer engagement, and increase market share within these key territories. This role involves deep market analysis to tailor campaigns to local consumer preferences and competitive landscapes. The Chief Marketing Officer's responsibilities include managing advertising, promotions, digital marketing, and public relations efforts to build strong brand equity. Ahmed Arafa's leadership ensures KFC's consistent brand messaging and growth trajectory across a complex and dynamic geographic area, directly contributing to regional sales performance and brand loyalty.

    Vanessa Rowed - Chief Marketing Officer, KFC Sopac

    Vanessa Rowed, the Chief Marketing Officer, KFC Sopac at Yum! Brands, leads marketing strategy and execution for KFC across the South Pacific region. Rowed focuses on developing innovative campaigns that resonate with local consumers, driving brand preference and increasing market share within Australia and surrounding territories. This role involves overseeing all aspects of marketing, including advertising, digital engagement, promotions, and consumer insights to ensure KFC's strong presence and growth in the region. The Chief Marketing Officer's responsibilities extend to managing marketing budgets, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and analyzing market trends to identify new opportunities. Vanessa Rowed's strategic marketing leadership is key to KFC's success and continued expansion in the South Pacific market.
    Vanessa Rowed

    Karla Patino - Chief Marketing Officer, Taco Bell (Latin America & The Caribbean)

    Karla Patino, the Chief Marketing Officer, Taco Bell (Latin America & The Caribbean) at Yum! Brands, drives the marketing vision and execution for the Taco Bell brand across Latin America and the Caribbean. Patino develops and implements tailored marketing strategies to enhance brand awareness, customer loyalty, and sales growth in these diverse markets. This leadership role requires a keen understanding of regional consumer behaviors and market dynamics to create impactful campaigns. The Chief Marketing Officer's responsibilities include managing brand positioning, advertising, digital presence, and promotional activities to strengthen Taco Bell's footprint. Karla Patino's strategic marketing direction is vital for Taco Bell's expansion and success throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

    Jennifer Ligotti - Chief Marketing Officer, Pizza Hut

    Jennifer Ligotti, the Chief Marketing Officer, Pizza Hut at Yum! Brands, leads the marketing strategy and brand development for Pizza Hut globally. Ligotti is responsible for crafting and executing innovative marketing campaigns that enhance brand perception, drive customer acquisition, and foster loyalty across diverse international markets. This role involves deep consumer insight analysis, digital marketing innovation, and strategic brand positioning to maintain Pizza Hut's competitive advantage. The Chief Marketing Officer's responsibilities include managing marketing budgets, overseeing advertising creative, and collaborating with product development teams to align marketing efforts with business objectives. Jennifer Ligotti's marketing leadership is pivotal in strengthening Pizza Hut's global brand equity and driving market growth.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Yum! Brands Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Yum! Brands?
    Yum! Brands is led by Ranjith Roy (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Jason Minton (Global Chief Financial Officer, At Pizza Hut Franchise Markets) and Alexandra Barsk (Global Chief Financial Officer, KFC).
    Who is part of Yum! Brands’s executive team?
    The executive team of Yum! Brands includes leaders such as Ranjith Roy (Chief Financial Officer), Jason Minton (Global Chief Financial Officer, At Pizza Hut Franchise Markets), Alexandra Barsk (Global Chief Financial Officer, KFC) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Yum! Brands have?
    Yum! Brands has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Yum! Brands’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Yum! Brands includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Global Chief Financial Officer, At Pizza Hut Franchise Markets, Global Chief Financial Officer, KFC, Chief Operating Officer Pizza Hut, President & Global Chief Operating Officer, Pizza Hut.