KFC boss Shuker nets top TRI role

Martin Shuker, marketing director for KFC, has been promoted to vice-president of marketing for parent company Tricon Restaurants (TRI) Europe & Africa.

He succeeds Todd Martin, who left the company in February to join Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine as marketing director.

Shuker will report to regional vice-president Tim Pulido for TRI Europe & Africa and will have responsibility for the KFC brand in the UK and both Pizza Hut and KFC brands in Europe and Africa.

“The priority will be the continued development of momentum behind both brands and to ensure continued top-line growth,” says Shuker.

Graham Allan, managing director of KFC UK, says: “Since joining KFC nearly three years ago from United Biscuits, Martin has displayed remarkable marketing flair combined with high energy and boundless ambition for growth. He has been instrumental in KFC’s exceptional sales performance over the past few years.”

Shuker has been responsible for the series of ads featuring Ryan Stiles and other celebrities including Dani Behr, Ulrika Jonsson and Ivana Trump.

He is also responsible for the hot and spicy series of ads, featuring Tara Palmer Tomkinson.

US company Tricon was spun off from PepsiCo last year and is made up of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.

KFC has 400 outlets in the UK and Ireland.