Former Nike exec to lead Taco Bell
Yum! Brands! has found its next chief executive officer.
The quick-serve giant has promoted Sean Tresvant to CEO of its Taco Bell division, effective January 1, 2024. Tresvant, who currently serves as global chief brand and strategy officer of Taco Bell, will succeed Mark King, who has decided to retire at the end of 2023.
Tresvant joined Taco Bell as global chief brand in January 2022, and took on the expanded role of stratey officer earlier this year, focused on developing perspective and ambition for long-term global growth. Prior to Taco Bell. He spent more than 15 years in leadership roles at Nike, including serving as chief marketing officer of the Jordan Brand.
“Sean is laser focused on keeping our powerhouse Taco Bell brand at the leading edge of culture and redefining innovation in the industry,” said Yum Brands! CEO David Gibbs. “That’s why he is the ideal executive to continue successfully executing Taco Bell’s long-term global growth strategies and take them to the next level in partnership with the brand’s strong and accomplished leadership team and incredible franchisees.”
As global chief brand and strategy officer of Taco Bell, Tresvant has overseen the brand’s strategy, food innovation, architecture and design and global communications functions as well as the Taco Bell International business.
During his time with Taco Bell, Tresvant has set a powerful strategic framework that has created iconic moments within culture and driven massive awareness and buzz for the brand, including several high-profile celebrity partnerships and the return of the fan favorite Mexican Pizza, the company said.
“The love our fans and team members have for Taco Bell is extraordinary and means we’re in a unique position to push the limits on culture and become a brand that inspires and enables the world to Live Más,” said Tresvant. “I’m grateful to have worked alongside Mark, and I’m incredibly honored and excited to continue partnering with our talented team and amazing franchisees on Taco Bell’s magic formula of brand buzz, innovation, value and digital initiatives to deliver industry-leading results in the U.S. and internationally.”
Yum! Brands, based in Louisville, Ky., and its subsidiaries franchise or operate a system of over 55,000 restaurants in more than 155 countries and territories. The company’s brands include KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and the Habit Burger Grill.