In his new role, Eaton will be responsible for coaching and supporting the divisional brand chief operating officers, and for sharing global Operations Best Practices. He also will oversee YUM's Restaurant Excellence, Quality Assurance and Development. The leaders of each of these functions, along with Ben Butler, president of Long John Silver's and A&W All-American Food, and Larry Roberts, general manager of the newly formed KFCC Operations in the U.S., will report to Eaton. Since 2006, Eaton has served on the company's partner's council, a senior leadership company think tank chaired by Novak.
"I want to thank Peter Hearl for his outstanding service to YUM over the last 17 years, and for the significant contributions he has made to our business. He is a great friend, and he will be well-missed by all. At the same time, Roger Eaton is the perfect choice as YUM's new chief operating and development officer. He is one of our very best leaders, with enormous talent, strategic thinking, energy, commitment and a stellar track record of consistent results in one of most developed markets in the world," said David Novak, chairman and CEO.