Today, KFC announced a significant change to its leadership in the U.K. & Ireland. Current General Manager Martin Shuker will step back from day-to-day management of the U.K. & Ireland business, instead focusing on his continued responsibility to emulate U.K. growth across Western European markets.
The change to will allow Martin to dedicate even more time to continue driving regional brand growth and coach the business’ Western European leaders across the U.K., Germany, the Netherlands, Iberia and Italy, as the company continues to strengthen its position as a world-class franchisor.
Martin has been with KFC’s parent company Yum! Brands for over 20 years, with much of his time spent leading KFC in the U.K., where he has overseen the growth of the brand into a highly profitable £1 billion business. During his thirteen years as General Manager, the business has seen unprecedented levels of success, achieving 48 out of 52 quarters of growth.
Throughout his leadership, Martin has demonstrated a passion for developing and growing people, which has seen KFC ranked as one of the top 25 Great Places to Work in the UK. It is also an accredited Top Employer, having been the first to win the Large Company category of Britain’s Top Employer for three consecutive years.
Martin has been integral in strengthening closer relationships with KFC UK&I’s franchisees, which has been critical to the success of the business’ current refranchising process. Initially announced in October 2016, this process has seen KFC increase its already successful franchise ownership, and begin a transition to 50 company-owned restaurants by selling 180+ restaurants by the end of 2018. As well as introducing three new franchise partners, twelve existing KFC franchisees have now been identified to purchase bundles of restaurants, based on their proven ability to bring the capital, capability and commitment to building the KFC brand in the UK for the future.