Yum! Brands, Inc., (NYSE:YUM) announced on Thursday the promotion of Steve Davis, 44, as president and chief operating officer of Long John Silver’s, replacing interim president Ron Powell, who is moving back to the Baltimore area to be closer to his family.
In his new role, Davis will be accountable for company and franchise operations leadership and marketing of the Long John Silver’s brand.
Davis will report dually to Sid Feltenstein, chairman and chief executive officer, Long John Silver’s and A&W All-American Food restaurants, and Aylwin Lewis, Yum! Brands chief operating officer. Davis will assume his new responsibilities effective December 9, 2002.
Davis has been with Pizza Hut since 1993, most recently as senior vice president of concept development where he has been responsible for Pizza Hut multi-branding and franchisee asset development and planning. Prior to that, Davis was a head coach running operations in the West Division. Before his career with Pizza Hut, Davis was with Kraft General Foods. He joined Kraft in 1985, serving lastly as director of marketing.
“Steve Davis is uniquely qualified to take Long John Silver’s to the next level,” said Sid Feltenstein. “He is a seasoned restaurant executive with a strong combination of operational and marketing skills and the ability to lead and develop people,” added Feltenstein.