Papa Murphy’s International today announced the hiring of Clarice Turner to the position of President and Chief Operating Officer, effective May 14. Papa Murphy’s currently operates close to 1,000 locations in 30 states and Canada.

Turner joins Papa Murphy’s following a highly-respected 16-year stint with Yum! Brands, where she progressed rapidly through a variety of executive management positions with its subsidiary Taco Bell Corporation. Most recently Turner spearheaded national initiatives to address improving the chain’s systems, processes and new products as well as contributing in the areas of margin improvement analysis and brand communications.

Turner began her career with Yum! as a fast-track market manager in Seattle accountable for Taco Bell locations in Washington and Sacramento, California and was rapidly promoted to lead all aspects of Taco Bell’s emerging business as an expatriate in Canada. Upon her return to the U.S., Turner was appointed to lead operations for eight western states. In addition to her work with the Taco Bell brand she was also instrumental in establishing standards for successful operation of multi-branded Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut and Long John Silvers locations.

“We are excited about Clarice joining our senior management team, bringing to Papa Murphy’s her strong background and broad experience in the quick-service industry,” says John Barr, Papa Murphy’s CEO. “She has proven to be a respected leader and one that leads by example thus earning the confidence and trust of her co-workers and Yum! Brands’ franchisee community.”