PIZZA HUT ANNOUNCES KALEN THORNTON AS GLOBAL CHIEF BRAND OFFICER

Executive Appointments - Kalen Thornton has been appointed as Global Chief Brand Officer of Pizza Hut, effective June 10, 2024, reporting to CEO Aaron Powell [2] - Melissa Friebe will become Chief Marketing Officer for Pizza Hut U.S., transitioning from Taco Bell, and will report to the new U.S. President, Carl Loredo [3][4] Responsibilities and Goals - Thornton will lead Pizza Hut's global brand strategy across 110 markets, focusing on enhancing customer connections through both physical and digital channels [2] - Friebe will oversee all marketing aspects for Pizza Hut's U.S. operations, succeeding Lindsay Morgan, who has held various marketing leadership roles for over eight years [3][4] Background of New Appointees - Thornton previously served as Vice President of Sports and Entertainment Marketing for PepsiCo North America and has held significant roles at Nike and Jordan brands, emphasizing his experience in building global brands [3] - Friebe has nearly three decades of experience at Taco Bell, most recently as Chief Brand Strategy Officer, bringing extensive marketing expertise to her new role [3] Company Overview - Pizza Hut, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, operates over 19,500 restaurants in 110 markets and territories, known for innovations like Original Pan and Stuffed Crust pizzas [5] - The company has a strong digital presence, with over half of its transactions coming from digital orders, and offers a loyalty program called Hut Rewards [5]