KFC Global has appointed Maria Cacciapuoti as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), promoting a longtime executive who has spent more than a decade helping shape the brand’s global operations. In her new role, Cacciapuoti will work closely with KFC’s franchise partners worldwide to modernize both the guest experience and restaurant operations while accelerating growth across the brand’s international footprint.
The appointment was announced by Scott Mezvinsky, Chief Executive Officer of KFC Global, who said Cacciapuoti’s broad operational and franchising expertise makes her well-positioned to support the brand’s next phase of growth. “I am excited to welcome Maria Cacciapuoti to our Global Leadership Team as COO. In this role, she will lead our Global Operations function, driving operational excellence across the brand and partnering with franchisees to modernize every aspect of the KFC experience,” said Scott Mezvinsky, Chief Executive Officer, KFC Global.
Mezvinsky added: “Part of the KFC family since 2015, Maria brings deep expertise in ops, finance, franchising and general management. She’s known to be a courageous and passionate leader, and I know in this role she’ll continue making a lasting impact on our business.”
Since joining KFC in 2015, Cacciapuoti has held several senior leadership roles, building extensive experience across operations, finance, franchising and general management. Her promotion reflects KFC’s continued emphasis on strengthening operational execution while supporting franchise partners across its global network.
As COO, she will oversee the company’s worldwide operations strategy, partnering with franchisees to improve restaurant performance, streamline operations, enhance team member engagement and elevate the overall guest experience. The role also includes advancing operational modernisation initiatives as KFC continues to invest in digital capabilities and restaurant innovation.
Because the vast majority of KFC restaurants are operated by franchisees, operational consistency and franchise support remain central to the brand’s global growth strategy. Cacciapuoti will work alongside franchise partners to implement best practices, improve execution standards and ensure restaurants are equipped to meet evolving consumer expectations.
Her appointment comes as KFC continues investing in technology, restaurant modernization and operational improvements to support sustainable international expansion.
Owned by Yum! Brands, KFC is one of the world’s largest quick-service restaurant brands, operating more than 30,000 restaurants in over 145 countries and territories. The brand is predominantly franchise-operated, with franchise partners driving expansion across established and emerging markets. KFC continues to focus on digital ordering, operational excellence, menu innovation and restaurant modernization as key pillars of its long-term global growth strategy.
