LOUISVILLE, KY. — After nearly 36 years with Yum! Brands, Inc. David Gibbs, chief executive officer, is retiring. The company said Gibbs will continue as CEO throughout the search for his replacement until his retirement, expected in the first quarter of 2026.

“Along with the entire board of directors, I commend David for his dedication to Yum! Brands and applaud his transformative impact on the company — not just in his time as CEO, but throughout the entirety of his nearly four-decade career with Yum! Brands,” said Brian Cornell, non-executive chairman of the board of directors of Yum! Brands and board of directors and chairman and CEO of Target Corp. “The board is committed to overseeing a thorough succession planning process and appreciates David’s continued leadership of the business as well as the ample timeline provided to ensure a seamless leadership transition.”

Gibbs has been Yum! Brand’s CEO since January 2020.

As CEO, the company said he focused on its digital transformation, building its development engine and delivering strong shareholder returns. Before becoming CEO, he was president and chief operating officer.