News

KFC US names operations veteran to COO role

May 14, 2019

KFC Corporation has named Monica Rothgery to the position of KFC U.S. COO to oversee operational strategy and execution. 

Rothgery will work to drive improved operations, processes, labor models and tech integration across the chain's 4,100 U.S. units, while leading franchise and equity field operations, according to a press release.

"In her nearly three decades with Yum! Brands, Monica has demonstrated outstanding operational leadership," said KFC U.S. President Kevin Hochman, in the release. "Her knowledge of the business, passion for people, and ability to drive results make her the perfect choice to be our COO."

Rothgery has spent nearly 30 years at Yum, beginning as a Taco Bell restaurant general manager in 1992, followed by a number of HR and operations roles in the U.S., a stint with KFC Thailand as chief operations and people officer beginning in 2014 and most recently as chief restaurant productivity officer beginning last August. She takes over the COO role following the retirement of KFC’s former KFC U.S. COO Phil Klezmer.

"It has been an honor to contribute to the enhanced operations for Yum! Brands, and I'm thrilled to step into this new role as COO," said Rothgery. "KFC is a leader in its category because of the passion and dedication of each and every one of our team members, and I'm looking forward to continuing to work closely with our franchisees, operators and leadership team to strengthen the brand and restaurant operations."

Worldwide, KFC has more than 22,000 restaurants in over 135 countries and territories.