KFC UK & Ireland is ramping up its tech and AI strategy by appointing its first permanent chief digital and technology officer with a brief to shape better experiences for customers, employees, and franchise partners.
Jon-Paul Brett joins from Burberry, where he spent the past ten and a half years, most recently serving as global digital director. The former British Army officer has also held senior tech and advisory roles at Grow London, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.
The role has previously been held on an interim basis; first by former Wagamama chief information officer Stefan Beavis and more recently by KFC global director of architecture and engineering Jaime Hall.
With 70% of KFC’s transactions already digital, the company is continuing to modernise its restaurants through new designs, digital kiosks, and digital drive-thrus, creating a simpler, more convenient experience for customers, whether they eat in or take food to go.
KFC has more than 1,000 outlets in the UK and Ireland, with around 95% of these run by franchise partners. It plans to invest £1.49bn in the UK over the next 5 years, including opening 500 new restaurants over the next decade. The company estimates the UK fried chicken market in worth £3.1bn a year.
Its advertising (pictured) is handled by Mother; Rapp UK runs the loyalty programme, the KFC Rewards Arcade.
Brett said: “There’s real energy across KFC; big ambition, passionate people, and a clear opportunity for technology to unlock the next stage of growth. What has stood out most is the pride in the brand, the pace in our restaurants, and the shared desire to keep improving for our customers.
“KFC UK & Ireland has a bold future ahead, with technology playing a critical role in shaping better experiences for our customers, employees, and franchise partners. Now the focus is on action: building the capability, pace, and partnerships that help our teams, customers, and franchise partners feel the benefit of technology every day.”
Related stories
KFC’s ‘Surrender to Tender’: Oh it’s finger pickin’ good
KFC ‘Believers’ use blind faith in fight for the golden egg
KFC ‘Zinger Drip’: Highly crafted or self-indulgent?
New KFC ad sparks protests as gravy gripes hit new high
KFC channels dark, satanic thrills in Dirty Louisiana film
KFC ‘All Hail the Gravy’ sparks mass complaints to ASA
Be the first to comment on "KFC picks Burberry boss to fashion new tech strategy"