Yum! Brands, Inc., has announced that Keith Siegner will join the Company as Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Strategy, reporting to President and Chief Financial Officer, David Gibbs, effective July 11. In this role, Siegner will assume responsibility for the Company’s relationships with the analyst and investor community. He will also play a key role in shaping YUM’s long-term growth strategies as the Company moves toward the separation of its China business by the end of October.
“Keith is an excellent addition to Yum! Brands. He brings to this important position nearly 20 years of financial expertise and a deep understanding of the restaurant industry and our Company,” said Gibbs. “Keith’s insight into franchisee economics and benchmarking to uncover areas for improvement, coupled with his knowledge of Wall Street, will enable him to make a meaningful impact on our business and our interactions with the investment community. This is an exciting time at YUM as we separate into two powerful, independent companies – Yum! Brands and Yum! China – with unique investment profiles, capital structures, and compelling growth potential. We are thrilled to have someone with Keith’s experience and knowledge join our Company,” Gibbs added.
Siegner joins YUM from UBS Securities, LLC, where he served as an Executive Director in securities research, analyzing and publishing investment advice for restaurant companies with a combined market capitalization of $300 billion, including YUM. He previously spent over 12 years at Credit Suisse Securities USA, LLC, on teams covering the environmental services and specialty chemicals sectors before assuming lead coverage of the restaurant sector in 2007. Earlier in his career, Siegner worked in the international tax consulting services practice of Arthur Andersen LLP. He received both bachelor’s and master’s accounting degrees from Wake Forest University.
“I am thrilled to be joining the world-class YUM team as the Company moves toward its next chapter. Greg Creed, David Gibbs and the team have a clear vision to transform YUM for the future by capitalizing on the extraordinary strength and growth potential of the KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell brands. After many years following YUM, I cannot wait to play a role in driving its long-term growth and success,” said Siegner.
