News Summary
Leadership developments are underway in Plano, Texas, as Yum! Brands announces its new CEO, Chris Turner, amidst retirements, including David Gibbs. Additionally, Tyler Technologies and Upbound Group are also making significant leadership changes. These transitions signify Plano’s growing importance in the corporate landscape, with businesses adapting strategies to bolster innovation and workforce consolidation.
Texas – Yum! Brands, headquartered in Plano, Texas, has appointed Chris Turner as its new CEO, effective October 1. Turner, who currently serves as the Chief Financial & Franchise Officer for the company, will replace David Gibbs, who announced his retirement after 37 years with Yum! Brands. Gibbs expressed gratitude for his long tenure and voiced confidence in the company’s potential for future growth under Turner’s leadership.
In conjunction with the leadership change, Yum! Brands will continue its transition of 100 corporate employees from Louisville to its Global headquarters in Plano, further solidifying the area’s role as the company’s operational hub.
Turner brings extensive experience to the role, having a background with PepsiCo, where he directed the retail and e-commerce sector involving Walmart at both national and international levels. Prior to PepsiCo, he spent over 13 years at McKinsey & Co., serving as Partner and leading various practices. His experience positions him well to navigate Yum! Brands through its next phase of development.
In addition to the changes at Yum! Brands, corporate transitions are also occurring within other Texas-based companies. Tyler Technologies has announced that Rusty Smith will expand his responsibilities to now oversee both the State & Federal Group and the Justice Group. This comes as current president of the State & Federal Group, Bret Dixon, prepares for retirement in June 2025 after a 17-year tenure, during which he will move to an executive advisor role to facilitate a smooth transition.
Tyler Technologies is recognized as a leading provider of integrated software and technology services for the public sector, with solutions implemented at various levels of government. The firm’s adjustments in leadership show its commitment to maintaining robust service delivery in public sector technology.
Furthermore, Plano-based Upbound Group has seen leadership changes as well. Fahmi Karam will take over as CEO from Mitch Fadel starting June 1, following Fadel’s retirement after a remarkable 40 years with the company. Karam, who previously held the role of Chief Financial Officer, has nearly 25 years of strategic and financial experience and aims to drive Upbound’s expansion in tech-driven financial solutions.
During Fadel’s leadership, Upbound transitioned its business model from traditional brick-and-mortar operations to an omni-channel lease-to-own platform. Recently, the company completed a significant acquisition of Brigit, a financial health technology firm, for $460 million. This acquisition aligns with Upbound’s strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing its technology-driven offerings in leasing solutions.
The ongoing leadership changes and strategic advancements in companies like Yum! Brands, Tyler Technologies, and Upbound Group underline Plano’s growing importance as a key center for corporate leadership transitions and innovations across various sectors. As these companies adapt and evolve their strategies under new leadership, the business community in Texas anticipates continued growth and development.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WFAA: Yum! Brands Announces New CEO
- Business Wire: Tyler Technologies Announces Executive Changes
- Dallas Innovates: Upbound Group Announces CEO Transition
- CBS News: Man Fatally Shot in Confrontation with Plano Police
- Candy’s Dirt: Jamee Jolly Tapped to Lead the Real Estate Council
- Wikipedia: Yum! Brands
- Google Search: Tyler Technologies
- Google Scholar: Leadership Changes in Business
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Corporate Leadership
- Google News: Plano Texas Business News
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
