KFC Promotes Monica Rothgery to COO

Monica Rothgery began her career with Yum Brands as a Taco Bell general manager in 1992. Now, she’s running KFC’s U.S. operations. According to Nation’s Restaurant News, KFC has named Rothgery COO of its U.S. division, effective immediately. She replaces Phil Klezmer, who recently retired.

NRN noted that Rothgery has served in a plethora of roles within the Yum Brands system over the last two-plus decades, most recently as KFC’s chief restaurant productivity officer and as chief operations and people officer for KFC Thailand before that.

In her new role, Rothgery will be tasked with simplifying processes, introducing new labor models, and integrating new technology at KFC’s 4,100 U.S. locations — including the rollout of its nationwide delivery program with GrubHub later this year.

"In her nearly three decades with Yum Brands, Monica has demonstrated outstanding operational leadership," KFC U.S. president Kevin Hochman said in a statement included in the article. “Her knowledge of the business, passion for people, and ability to drive results make her the perfect choice to be our COO."