LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Yum! Brands Inc. on Tuesday announced the appointment of Roger Eaton as President of KFC USA.

 

The company said in a statement that Eaton, 47, will replace Gregg Dedrick. Dedrick is leaving KFC to pursue opportunities outside of the company. The company appointed Eaton this week to help ensure an orderly transition. Eaton will report to David Novak, chairman and CEO of Yum!

 

In his new role, Eaton will be responsible for KFC’s $5.3 billion domestic business, which is predominantly franchised across 5,300 restaurants, Yum! said. For the last five months, Eaton has served as Yum! Brands chief operating and development officer.

 

“I want to thank Gregg Dedrick for his outstanding service to YUM over the last 20 years, and for the significant contributions he has made to our business. He is a great friend, and he will be well-missed by all,” said Novak. “At the same time, Roger Eaton is the perfect choice as KFC’s new President. He is one of our very best leaders, with enormous talent, strategic thinking, energy, commitment and a stellar track record of consistent results in one of most developed markets in the world.”

 

Emil Brolick, president of U.S. brand building, will now become chief operating officer.