Yum Chairman David C. Novak to retire in may

Yum! Brands, Inc. announced that David C. Novak, 63, Executive Chairman, plans to retire in May 2016 following the Company’s annual shareholder meeting and step down from the Company’s Board at that time. The Board plans to appoint a Non-Executive Chairman from among its Directors to succeed Mr. Novak and will announce that appointment at the Company's annual shareholder meeting.

Mr. Novak was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Yum! in 1999 and has served as Chairman of Yum! Brands since 2000. He transitioned to Executive Chairman on January 1, 2015, when he was succeeded as CEO by Greg Creed.

“I feel deeply privileged to have served over the years as Yum! Brands Chairman and CEO,” said Mr. Novak.

He further said, “As we target the separation of our China business by the end of 2016 and transition to two powerful, independent companies, it is a perfect time for me to complete my retirement. The two new companies will be led by strong, highly capable leaders, Greg Creed at YUM and Micky Pant at YUM China. I am completely confident both of them will take their businesses to the next level and I look forward to cheering them on and supporting them after my retirement. I truly believe these two companies present enormous growth potential in the years to come. Therefore, I plan to remain a shareholder of both companies and couldn't be more enthusiastic about these investments.”

“David Novak is a visionary leader who built Yum! Brands into a global powerhouse and one of the world’s largest restaurant companies. He is renowned for creating a recognition culture that rewards for performance, and for coaching and mentoring thousands of executives on leadership skills. During his tenure, the Company expanded its vast footprint in new emerging markets, became the category leader in China, delivered a high return on invested capital and saw its market capitalization grow from $4.6 billion to approximately $31 billion. Shareholders have been well-rewarded over this time thanks to David’s outstanding leadership," said Greg Creed, Chief Executive Officer, Yum! Brands, Inc. "On behalf of the Board, all of our employees and franchisees, I sincerely thank David for his many significant contributions to the Company, and for being such an incredible mentor, coach and friend. Thanks to his leadership and transition planning, we are extremely well-positioned as we work toward completing the separation of the China business and continue to create significant value for shareholders,” Creed added.