LOUISVILLE, KY. — Kentucky Fried Chicken Corp., a subsidiary of Yum! Brands Inc., announced that Tarun Lal, current managing director of the KFC Middle East, Pakistan, Turkey, Africa and India markets, will take over as president of KFC US, effective July 15.

Lal will relocate to the KFC US headquarters in Louisville, Ky., and will report to Dyke Shipp, division president.

“Tarun has proven to be a best-in-class operator with a strong commercial outlook and approach,” Shipp said. “As he joins the US brand, we are confident he will be met with a similar passion for consistent execution and achieving breakthrough results.”

In his 25 years with KFC, Lal has served as general manager of KFC Africa, KFC global chief operations officer and GM for KFC India. He has helped the brand launch in multiple new markets during his service.

KFC called Lal an “active and vocal champion of female advancement, equity, inclusion and belonging,” as he has sponsored the Next-Generation of Women (N.O.W) strategy in line with KFC’s goal to reach gender parity in leadership roles by 2025.

Lal is replacing Kevin Hochman, who left KFC on June 3 to assume the position of chief executive officer of Brinker International.