PLANO, Texas – (COMMERCIAL THREAD) – Pizza Hut today announced the promotion of David Graves to President of Pizza Hut US, reporting to Pizza Hut CEO Aaron Powell, effective January 1, 2022. Graves is currently a Director General of Pizza Hut US and will succeed Interim Pizza Hut US President Kevin Hochman. In this role, Graves will continue to build on the momentum of Pizza Hut and take responsibility for driving profitable comparable store sales, franchise operations and the overall performance of the US business.

“David has a well-deserved reputation for delivering results, repeatedly demonstrating his expertise in identifying solutions to business challenges that not only improve the customer experience, but also benefit the restaurant economy, and I don’t. could not be happier with his promotion. Said Powell. “Pizza Hut US has a solid strategy, and the leadership and talent of this team is extraordinary. I am confident that we will continue to see positive growth from this iconic brand in the years to come, ”said Powell.

With Graves’ appointment, Pizza Hut US Interim President Kevin Hochman, who serves as both President and Chief Design Officer of KFC US, will take over full-time leadership of KFC US, effective January 1. 2022. After serving in an acting role at Pizza Hut in the United States since late 2019, Hochman was recruited to help strengthen Pizza Hut’s business in the United States and accelerate innovation while continuing to lead a brand Thriving US KFC. Under the leadership of Hochman’s and Graves and in partnership with its franchisees, Pizza Hut US has innovated in products, supported improved sales and continued to invest in its off-site channel in response to changing demand for customers. consumers.

“Kevin has delivered truly meaningful and meaningful results, and I cannot thank him enough for his commitment and collaboration over the past two years at the helm of two of our iconic brands in the United States,” said David Gibbs, Yum! CEO of brands. “We are truly delighted with the continued revitalization of the Pizza Hut brand and its transformation into a modern off-premises business in the United States. consumers in a way that really resonates – and I think Pizza Hut has an incredibly bright future.

Since joining Pizza Hut in early 2020 as Brand Manager, and more recently as Managing Director, Graves has played a critical role in the development and continued execution of Pizza’s turnaround strategy. Hut in the United States. Prior to joining Pizza Hut, Graves spent several years at Pizza Hut. KFC US led the marketing strategy and was responsible for much of the food innovation credited in KFC’s turnaround. Before joining Yum! in 2016, Graves spent much of his career at Procter & Gamble, where he led innovation and ideas for several leading brands in the consumer packaged goods space.

“I am grateful to have worked alongside Kevin for the past two years at Pizza Hut and prior to that at KFC, and I am honored to hold this role, leading one of the States’ iconic brands. -United, ”Graves said. “In partnership with our franchisees and the Pizza Hut management team, I am delighted to build on our recent momentum and help guide this brand into the future.

“The opportunity to work on the Pizza Hut brand alongside this team has been an incredible experience. It is gratifying to see the strategy we put in place almost two years ago working, evidenced by an improving four-wall economy, ”said Hochman. “David is a proven leader and accomplished brand builder, and I can’t think of a better person to pass the torch to who ensures a smooth transition and continued success for the Pizza Hut business in the United States. ”

About Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM), founded in 1958 in Wichita, Kan., Pizza Hut operates nearly 18,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries. With easy ordering options including the Pizza Hut app, mobile site, and Amazon and Google devices, Pizza Hut is committed to providing an easy pizza experience – from order to delivery – and offers Hut Rewards, the Pizza Hut loyalty program that offers points for every dollar spent on food regardless of how you order.

Now more than ever, restaurants have an important role to play in helping to safely feed families. As one of the world’s largest pizza brands by store count, Pizza Hut is committed to doing its part. To ensure the safety of team members and customers, customers can get their favorite Pizza Hut pizza through three contactless offerings: curbside pickup, delivery, or take out. After becoming the first national pizza brand to offer contactless curbside pickup, Pizza Hut launched The Hut Lane ™, a dedicated digital order pickup window available in over 1,500 locations across the country.

Pizza Hut is also the owner of The Literacy Project, an initiative designed to enable access, empower teachers, and inspire a lifelong love of reading. The program is anchored in the foundation established by Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program, which is the oldest business-supported literacy program, reaching over 14 million students each year. Pizza Hut is the one and only Pizza Sponsor of the NFL® and NCAA®.

For more information on Pizza Hut, visit www.pizzahut.com Where http://www.pizzahut.com/c/content/sitemap