David Gibbs — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Former Chief Executive Officer of Yum! Brands (January 1, 2020 – October 1, 2025).
Served over 30 years at Yum! Brands, including roles as President and Chief Operating Officer, and President and Chief Financial Officer.
Architected Yum! Brands’ financial, refranchising, and restaurant development strategy, transforming it into a capital-light franchisor.
Played a lead role in the 2016 spinoff of Yum China Holdings, Inc.
Became a director of the Yum! Brands board in November 2019 and is a member of The Business Council.
Holds an MBA in Finance from Duke University and a BS in Mathematical Science from Johns Hopkins University.

Biography

David Gibbs is an American businessman and the former Chief Executive Officer of Yum! Brands Inc., a role he held from January 1, 2020, until October 1, 2025, when he transitioned to an advisory role. During his tenure as CEO, he was responsible for leading the company's overarching strategies, structure, people development, and culture to drive global growth, sales, and profitability across all Yum! franchise businesses worldwide.

A veteran of Yum!