David C. Novak, born in 1952, served as the CEO of Yum! Brands from 2000 until 2015. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Business Administration and built his career around management and corporate leadership. Under...

David C. Novak, born in 1952, served as the CEO of Yum! Brands from 2000 until 2015. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Business Administration and built his career around management and corporate leadership. Under his guidance, Yum! Brands consistently performed well in terms of shareholder returns, often ranking in the top quartile against similar companies. Interestingly, Novak deferred much of his bonus into restricted stock units, accumulating around 2 million shares worth over $60 million, which demonstrates his commitment to the company's long-term success. Notably, he announced his retirement in early 2016, marking a significant career shift after 15 years at the helm of Yum! Brands. This transition showcased a new generation of leadership within the company while continuing to build on the firm’s franchise model, which has been integral to its expansion into global markets.