Operations

Maria Cacciapuoti to join KFC Global as COO

Photo: YUM! Brands

July 24, 2026

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Maria Cacciapuoti will join KFC Global as chief operations officer, reporting directly to Scott Mezvinsky, KFC Global CEO, effective Sept. 1, according to a press release.

In this role, Maria will lead KFC's Global Operations function, driving operational excellence across the brand and partnering with franchisees to modernize the KFC experience for consumers and restaurant team members.

Maria joined KFC in 2015 and has held leadership roles in KFC markets around the world, including Italy, Iberia, Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe and most recently North Asia. She brings deep expertise in operations, finance and franchising and general management, with more than 20 years of her career spent in the restaurant and retail industries, including previous roles as McDonald's, Autogrill and Librerie Feltrinelli.