Yum! Brands Names Sabir Sami as New KFC Chief Executive, Leading Strategic Leadership Transition

DeFiCaffeinator · 2026-01-20T20:07:23+00:00

Yum! Brands has promoted Sabir Sami to CEO of KFC, effective January 1, 2022, succeeding Tony Lowings. Sami, with 12 years at Yum! and extensive leadership experience, will oversee global brand strategy while retaining his role in Asia. Dyke Shipp is also elevated to KFC Division President.

DeFiCaffeinator

2026-01-20 20:07:23

Abstract generation in progress

Yum! Brands, Inc. (YUM) has elevated Sabir Sami to the position of Chief Executive Officer of its KFC Division, marking a significant leadership transition set to commence on January 1, 2022. Sami, age 54, brings 12 years of extensive experience within the Yum! Brands organization and will report directly to Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs.

Sami’s Career Trajectory and Qualifications

Currently serving as KFC Division Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of KFC Asia, Sami has built a robust international leadership portfolio. Before his current Asia-focused role, Sami oversaw operations across the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and Turkey markets. His professional journey extends beyond Yum!, with senior leadership positions held at renowned companies including Procter & Gamble, the Coca-Cola Company and Reckitt Benckiser, providing him with comprehensive consumer-facing brand management experience.

Succession Plan and Leadership Continuity

Sami will succeed Tony Lowings, who is stepping down as KFC Division CEO at year-end 2021 as he moves toward retirement in early 2022. Lowings, with more than 27 years of tenure at Yum! Brands and KFC, has helmed the KFC brand since 2019. To ensure operational continuity, Lowings will remain in his CEO position through December 31, 2021, and continue supporting the transition process into the first quarter of 2022 in a transitional capacity.

Expanded Responsibilities and Strategic Focus

In his new role, Sami will assume complete global responsibility for shaping KFC’s brand strategy and performance metrics. He will continue to hold his position as Managing Director of KFC Asia, underscoring the importance of the Asian market to Yum! Brands’ growth trajectory.

Additional Executive Advancement

Complementing this leadership reshuffle, Dyke Shipp, 55, has been elevated to KFC Division President, effective January 1, 2022, reporting to Sami. Shipp, currently serving as Chief Development Officer and Chief People Officer for the KFC Division, brings over 30 years of institutional knowledge to his expanded role, reinforcing the company’s commitment to developing seasoned leaders from within its ranks.

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