Yum! Brands Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

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 customer experiences.

Leadership Roles at Yum! Brands

  • Chief Financial Officer - Ranjith Roy
  • Global Chief Financial Officer, KFC - Alexandra Barsk
  • Global Chief Financial Officer, At Pizza Hut Franchise Markets - Jason Minton
  • 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, Pizza Hut - Jennifer Ligotti
  • Chief Marketing Officer, KFC Sopac - Vanessa Rowed
  • Chief Marketing Officer, KFC Menapakt & Cis Yum Brands - Ahmed Arafa
  • Chief Marketing Officer, Taco Bell (Latin America & The Caribbean) - Karla Patino
  • Ranjith Roy - Chief Financial Officer

    Ranjith Roy, the Chief Financial Officer at Yum! Brands, directs the company's overall financial strategy and performance. Roy oversees all fiscal operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, ensuring robust financial health across the organization. This leadership role involves managing capital allocation and driving profitability for the quick-service restaurant portfolio. Roy's financial acumen supports strategic growth initiatives and operational efficiency. The Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with financial regulations and guides investment decisions. By optimizing financial structures, Ranjith Roy directly contributes to the company's sustained market presence and shareholder value. Roy's oversight extends to risk management and the implementation of sound financial controls across all brands.

    Alexandra Barsk - Global Chief Financial Officer, KFC

    Alexandra Barsk, the Global Chief Financial Officer, KFC at Yum! Brands, directs the financial strategy and operations for the KFC global division. Barsk oversees financial planning, analysis, and reporting, ensuring fiscal discipline and driving profitability across KFC's international markets. This executive role involves managing budgets, capital investments, and financial risk mitigation. The Global Chief Financial Officer, KFC collaborates with brand leadership to support strategic growth initiatives and optimize financial performance. By implementing robust financial controls, Alexandra Barsk ensures the financial integrity and sustainability of the KFC brand globally. Barsk's financial expertise underpins KFC's expansion and operational efficiency worldwide.

    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, directs the financial operations and strategy specifically for Pizza Hut's franchise markets globally. Minton oversees financial planning, analysis, and reporting, ensuring robust financial health and driving profitability for franchise partners. This critical role involves managing budgets, investment strategies, and financial risk for a significant portion of the Pizza Hut network. The Global Chief Financial Officer, At Pizza Hut Franchise Markets collaborates closely with franchise leadership to support their growth objectives and operational efficiency. By implementing sound financial practices, Jason Minton strengthens the financial performance and sustainability of Pizza Hut's franchise operations worldwide. Minton's financial acumen is vital to the success and expansion of Pizza Hut's franchise model.

    Patrick Murtha - Chief Operating Officer Pizza Hut

    Patrick Murtha, the Chief Operating Officer Pizza Hut at Yum! Brands, spearheads operational execution for the Pizza Hut brand. Murtha directs day-to-day operations, focusing on enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction across global franchise locations. This role involves optimizing supply chain logistics and ensuring consistent brand standards. The Chief Operating Officer Pizza Hut drives initiatives to improve restaurant performance and operational scalability. By streamlining processes, Patrick Murtha ensures the effective delivery of Pizza Hut's offerings. Murtha's leadership supports the brand's expansion and market penetration strategies. The Chief Operating Officer Pizza Hut collaborates with marketing and development teams to align operational capabilities with strategic objectives, driving revenue growth and operational excellence.

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

    Shannon Garcia, the President & Global Chief Operating Officer, Pizza Hut at Yum! Brands, leads the strategic direction and operational oversight for the Pizza Hut global business. Garcia drives the brand's growth agenda, focusing on innovation in restaurant operations and franchise partner success. This executive role involves shaping the global operating model to enhance efficiency and customer experience. The President & Global Chief Operating Officer, Pizza Hut ensures alignment across all markets, fostering a culture of operational excellence. By championing new operational strategies, Shannon Garcia strengthens Pizza Hut's competitive position. Garcia's leadership guides the brand's expansion and profitability, overseeing critical functions that impact global performance and market leadership.
    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, directs strategic transformation initiatives and provides operational leadership for KFC in the US. Dhukka oversees key projects aimed at enhancing efficiency and driving growth within the KFC brand. This role involves close collaboration with executive leadership to implement strategic priorities and operational improvements. The Transformation Director, Strategy & To KFC Chief of Staff (US) & President ensures seamless execution of strategic plans and supports the President's office. By guiding transformation efforts, Shah-Ali-Shah Dhukka contributes to KFC's market competitiveness and operational agility. Dhukka's focus on strategy and operational alignment strengthens KFC's position in the US market.

    Jennifer Ligotti - Chief Marketing Officer, Pizza Hut

    Jennifer Ligotti, the Chief Marketing Officer, Pizza Hut at Yum! Brands, directs the global marketing strategy for the Pizza Hut brand. Ligotti oversees all aspects of brand development, advertising, and consumer engagement to drive market share and revenue growth. This leadership position involves identifying consumer trends and translating them into effective marketing campaigns. The Chief Marketing Officer, Pizza Hut collaborates with product development and operations to ensure cohesive brand messaging. By championing innovative marketing approaches, Jennifer Ligotti enhances brand visibility and customer loyalty. Ligotti's strategic marketing leadership supports Pizza Hut's global expansion and strengthens its connection with consumers worldwide.

    Vanessa Rowed - Chief Marketing Officer, KFC Sopac

    Vanessa Rowed, the Chief Marketing Officer, KFC Sopac at Yum! Brands, leads the marketing efforts for KFC across the South Pacific region. Rowed develops and executes comprehensive marketing strategies to drive brand growth, customer acquisition, and sales performance within the specified territories. This role involves deep understanding of regional consumer preferences and market dynamics. The Chief Marketing Officer, KFC Sopac oversees advertising, digital marketing, and promotional activities to enhance brand presence. By crafting compelling campaigns, Vanessa Rowed strengthens KFC's connection with consumers in the South Pacific. Rowed's strategic marketing leadership ensures KFC's continued success and market leadership in the region.
    Vanessa Rowed

    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 strategies for KFC across the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, and CIS regions. Arafa develops and implements innovative marketing campaigns to enhance brand equity, drive customer engagement, and boost sales performance in these diverse markets. This position requires a keen understanding of regional consumer behaviors and competitive landscapes. The Chief Marketing Officer, KFC Menapakt & Cis Yum Brands oversees all marketing channels, including digital, traditional advertising, and in-store promotions. By leveraging market insights, Ahmed Arafa strengthens KFC's brand presence and market leadership across the MENAPAKT & CIS territories. Arafa's strategic marketing direction fuels KFC's growth and customer loyalty in these key international markets.

    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, leads the marketing vision and execution for Taco Bell across Latin America and the Caribbean. Patino designs and implements impactful marketing strategies to drive brand awareness, customer acquisition, and sales growth in these dynamic regions. This role demands deep insight into local consumer preferences and market trends. The Chief Marketing Officer, Taco Bell (Latin America & The Caribbean) manages all marketing initiatives, including advertising, digital engagement, and promotional activities. By fostering strong brand connections, Karla Patino enhances Taco Bell's market position and customer loyalty throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Patino's leadership ensures Taco Bell's continued success and expansion in these key international markets.

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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 Alexandra Barsk (Global Chief Financial Officer, KFC) and Jason Minton (Global Chief Financial Officer, At Pizza Hut Franchise Markets).
    Who is part of Yum! Brands’s executive team?
    The executive team of Yum! Brands includes leaders such as Ranjith Roy (Chief Financial Officer), Alexandra Barsk (Global Chief Financial Officer, KFC), Jason Minton (Global Chief Financial Officer, At Pizza Hut Franchise Markets) 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, KFC, Global Chief Financial Officer, At Pizza Hut Franchise Markets, Chief Operating Officer Pizza Hut, President & Global Chief Operating Officer, Pizza Hut.