Staffing

Yum Brands appoints Nai De Leon as chief people officer

Photo: Yum Brands

July 22, 2026

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Yum Brands Inc. has appointed Nai De Leon as chief people and culture officer, effective Nov. 1, according to a press release.

De Leon will lead the company's global human resources strategy, overseeing talent, leadership development, total rewards, organizational effectiveness and people operations. She will report to CEO Chris Turner and serve on the global leadership team.

De Leon joined Yum Brands in August 2025 as chief talent and centers of excellence officer. Prior to joining the company, she spent 20 years with Bain and Co., where she advised global organizations on large-scale transformations and spent nearly a decade partnering with Yum Brands as an adviser.

She succeeds Tracy Skeans, who recently announced her plans to retire after more than 25 years with the company. Skeans most recently served as chief operating officer and chief people and culture officer.

"Nai is an exceptional leader with deep expertise in talent, organizational transformation and leadership development, and she has already made an impact on our business since joining Yum!," Turner said in the press release. "Working closely with Tracy and our People and Culture Leadership Team, she has strengthened our talent strategy and built the capabilities that will help us Raise the B.A.R. and power Yum's next chapter of growth. Her proven ability to develop leaders, shape culture and drive transformation makes her the ideal person to lead our global People & Culture organization."

"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as Yum's chief people and culture officer," De Leon said. "Our people and culture are a tremendous competitive advantage, and I'm excited to build on the strong foundation Tracy and our team have established. I look forward to continuing to develop exceptional leaders, strengthen our culture and help our teams around the world unlock their full potential."