KFC Global has appointed Maria Cacciapuoti as Chief Operations Officer, effective September 1, 2026. Cacciapuoti will report directly to KFC Global CEO Scott Mezvinsky and lead the company’s global operations function.
In the role, she will focus on improving operational performance across KFC’s international restaurant system. She will also work with franchisees to modernize the customer experience and the working environment for restaurant employees.
Cacciapuoti joined KFC in 2015 and has held leadership positions across several international markets. Her experience with the company includes roles covering Italy, Iberia, Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe and North Asia.
She most recently worked in North Asia and has developed experience across operations, finance, franchising and general management.
Cacciapuoti has spent more than 20 years working in the restaurant and retail industries. Before joining KFC, she held positions at McDonald’s, Autogrill and Italian bookstore chain Librerie Feltrinelli.
KFC said her background in building high-performing teams and working with franchise partners will support the brand’s efforts to strengthen operational consistency across its global restaurant network.
The company did not disclose who Cacciapuoti is succeeding in the COO position.
KEY QUOTE:
“Maria is known as a courageous leader who delivers results and has a passion for building high-performing teams and franchise partnerships.”
KFC Global statement
