KFC names UK brand chief as Tilling lands global Yum! role

KFC has appointed the chief marketer for its African division David Timm to spearhead the expansion of the brand in the UK and Ireland following the promotion of Jennelle Tilling to a global role for owner Yum! Restaurants International.

KFC
KFC has appointed a new marketing chief for its UK and Ireland division to help broaden its appeal.

Timm is to join the business as vice president of marketing in December when he will assume oversight of advertising, new product development, sponsorship and corporate responsibility for 850 stores. He will be the brand’s most senior marketer in the UK and report to managing director Martin Shuker.

The company says he will be tasked with the enhancing the brand’s reputation around” innovation and great results”.

KFC has made broadening its appeal a key focus in 2013 with restaurants introducing Lavazza coffee to take on the likes of Starbucks and fast food rival McDonald’s in the growing coffee market. It is also trialling a mobile click and collect service, which it predicts could account for around 10 per cent of sales if a success.

During his time in Africa, Timm is credited with winning Yum!’s first Cannes Lions award. He has held senior roles at SABMiller and Leo Burnett.

He replaces Tilling who has been promoted to the role of chief marketing officer for Yum! where she will oversee the global strategies for the Pizza Hut home delivery and Taco Bell restaurant chains.

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