Pakistan’s Sabir Sami, an IBA graduate, appointed as KFC Global CEO

Pakistan’s Sabir Sami, an IBA graduate, has been appointed as global division chief executive officer (CEO) of KFC!

Sami, who currently serves as KFC Division Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of KFC Asia, will succeed Tony Lowings, who is stepping down as CEO at the end of 2021 in advance of his retirement in early 2022.

In this role, Sami, a 12-year veteran of the Company, will assume global responsibility for driving the brand strategy and performance of KFC, said the firm in a press release

“Sabir is an exceptional leader with deep expertise and knowledge of our business and has a strong, proven track record of growing KFC’s physical and brand presence in markets around the world,” Brands Chief Executive Officer David Gibbs said.

“As a highly-respected strategic brand builder, operations expert, and heart-led leader, Sabir is a natural choice to continue successfully executing KFC’s long-term global growth strategies in close partnership with our franchisees and further elevate KFC as a relevant, easy and distinctive (R.E.D.) brand”, Gibbs added.

Sabir Sami, expressing his delight over his promotion said, “I’m incredibly privileged and excited to continue working with our talented and dedicated KFC leaders and amazing franchise partners around the world to keep strengthening and accelerating the development of our powerful, iconic brand”.

Prior to this, Sami was Managing Director for the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, and Turkey markets, where he was instrumental in growing the business and establishing KFC as one of the region’s most R.E.D. brands.

He also served as General Manager for the KFC Canada and Turkey businesses.