News

Yum! Brands names new strategy and investor relations chief

June 15, 2016

Yum! Brands Inc has hired Keith Siegner, 41, as its vice president of investor relations and corporate strategy. He assumes the role in early July and reports to CFO David Gibbs, according to a news release. In this role, Siegner will be a key player in shaping Yum's approach to long-term growth as the brand moves to separate from its China business by late October.

"Keith is an excellent addition to Yum! Brands," Gibbs said. "He brings to this important position nearly 20 years of financial expertise and a deep understanding of the restaurant industry and our company. Keith's insight into franchisee economics and benchmarking to uncover areas for improvement, coupled with his knowledge of Wall Street, will enable him to make a meaningful impact on our business and our interactions with the investment community. 

"This is an exciting time at Yum! as we separate into two powerful, independent companies — Yum! Brands and Yum! China — with unique investment profiles, capital structures, and compelling growth potential. We are thrilled to have someone with Keith's experience and knowledge join our company." 

Siegner was most recently an executive director at UBS Securities, where he researched and analyzed securities and published investment advice for restaurant companies, like Yum! with a combined market capitalization of $300 billion. Previously he was employed at Credit Suisse Securities USA on a number of environmental services and specialty chemical teams before assuming the lead of the restaurant sector in 2007. He has also worked in international tax consulting at Arthur Andersen and holds a master's degree in accounting.  

"I am thrilled to be joining the world-class Yum! team as the company moves toward its next chapter," Siegner said. "Greg Creed, David Gibbs and the team have a clear vision to transform Yum! for the future by capitalizing on the extraordinary strength and growth potential of the KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell brands. After many years following Yum!, I cannot wait to play a role in driving its long-term growth and success." 

Louisville-based Yum! Brands includes the worldwide chains of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. The brands currently open more than six new restaurants each day across the globe.