KFC's chief financial officer Paula MacKenzie is to take over the running of UK operators from Martin Shuker, general manager of the UK and Ireland business.
Shuker will concentrate on his role as managing director for Western Europe, driving regional brand growth and coach the business’ Western European leaders across the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Iberia and Italy, as the company continues to strengthen its position as a world-class franchisor.
Shuker has been with KFC’s parent company Yum! Brands for over 20 years, with much of his time spent leading KFC in the UK, where he has overseen the growth of the brand into a highly profitable £1bn business. During his thirteen years as General Manager, the business has seen unprecedented levels of success, achieving 48 out of 52 quarters of growth.
Throughout his leadership, Shuker has demonstrated a passion for developing and growing people, which has seen KFC ranked as one of the top 25 Great Places to Work in the UK. It is also an accredited Top Employer, having been the first to win the Large Company category of Britain’s Top Employer for three consecutive years.
Shuker has been integral in strengthening closer relationships with KFC UK&I’s franchisees, which has been critical to the success of the business’ current refranchising process.
Initially announced in October 2016, this process has seen KFC increase its already successful franchise ownership, and begin a transition to 50 company-owned restaurants by selling 180+ restaurants by the end of 2018.
As well as introducing three new franchise partners, twelve existing KFC franchisees have now been identified to purchase bundles of restaurants, based on their proven ability to bring the capital, capability and commitment to building the KFC brand in the UK for the future.