Yum Brands CEO David Gibbs announces retirement plans for 2026

In the United States, Yum Brands CEO David Gibbs announced his intention to retire from the company in the first quarter of 2026. At 62 years old, Gibbs has dedicated 36 years of service to the Louisville, Kentucky-based Yum Brands, which operates as the world's leading restaurant company with a portfolio that includes Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger & Grill. Gibbs' leadership tenure began in January 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic placed unprecedented challenges on the global dining industry. During this period, he focused on enhancing the company's technological capabilities and spearheading new store development efforts. In 2024, under Gibbs' direction, Yum Brands achieved significant growth by opening 4,535 new restaurants across more than 100 countries, a notable increase from 2,040 new store openings in 2019. This aggressive expansion reflects his commitment to scaling the company's operations and adapting to the evolving market demands. Gibbs has also prioritized technological advancements within Yum, illustrated by a recent partnership with Nvidia aimed at enhancing automated ordering systems at drive-thrus and call centers, as well as improving operation plans with computer-assisted methodologies. Yum Brands' board of directors has publicly recognized Gibbs’ substantial contributions to the company, describing his impact as transformative. Before assuming the role of CEO, Gibbs led Pizza Hut from 2015 to 2016 and held various high-ranking roles, including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. His strategic decisions have not only fortified Yum's position in the industry during turbulent times but have also set the groundwork for sustained growth and innovation for years to come. As Yum Brands prepares to transition to new leadership, Gibbs will remain at the helm of the company while a search for his successor is conducted. This leadership change is expected to influence the direction of the company, especially as it continues to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, where restaurateurs face new consumer behaviors and operational challenges. As the restaurant industry evolves, the foundation laid by Gibbs will be critical for the future CEO in driving the company's vision forward.