Yum! Brands recruits manager for Taco Bell UK & Europe

Yum! Brands, the operator of brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut, and The Habit Burger Grill, has appointed Ian Cranna as general manager for its Taco Bell brand in the UK and Europe.

Cranna has spent 25 years working for major retail and food and beverage brands, joining from Compass Group where he spent two and a half years as chief marketing officer. He also worked at Starbucks for 16 years, working as vice-president of reserve and roastery, and vice-president of marketing and category.

Cranna replaces the Gino Casciani, who has been promoted to vice-president of international operations after three years in the general manager role.

Elsewhere at the company, Charles Saksik has been appointed as development and finance director for Taco Bell Europe, after three years at KFC, where he recently worked as strategy director.