KFC restaurant’s former marketing executive returns to the company to be its general manager

KFC fast-food chain has hired back its former chief marketing officer and offered to be its new general manager. Meg Farren is returning to the company after leaving last year to be Asda Stores Limited’s chief customer officer.

It was reported that Farren will be back at KFC fast-food chain in the autumn. The KFC UK and Ireland has already welcomed the executive as she becomes its new general manager. While working at the British supermarket chain, she was responsible for the company’s development and strategy of Asda’s customer proposition.

The new KFC UK&I GM spent more than 10 years in the fast food chain business before she resigned and transferred to Asda in 2021. As per Marketing Week, during these 10 years, Farren played a big role in driving growth and implementing change at KFC. She was instrumental in turning the fried chicken brand around and making it a favorite in the country.

It was said that she was able to do this by carrying out consumer research and working on forming strategies based on the results. She succeeded in leading the team and making the KFC brand relevant again and boosting sales that have been declining. Farren was also the executive behind some of the restaurant’s memorable campaigns that have created big impacts on the customers.

KFC said that Farren’s leadership contributed a lot to the company’s feat of being named Brand of the Year in 2021’s Marketing Week Awards. She helped improve customer experience in the restaurants as well.

“Meg is an exceptional leader, her people-grower capability has inspired and developed the UKI team into a hub for the next generation of leaders at KFC,” the fried chicken brand’s global chief executive officer, Sabir Sami, said in a statement. “I am thrilled to welcome Meg back to KFC and excited to see the UK and Ireland business continue to grow under her leadership.”

Meanwhile, Meg Farren is leaving Asda and the company regrets that she is moving to another company. “We are truly sad to see Meg leave Asda, but also incredibly proud to see her take on this new opportunity to lead KFC in the UK and Ireland,” UK’s The Grocer quoted Asda’s co-owner, Mohsin Issa, as saying.

He added, “During her time with us she has led the customer team and our vision and purpose work with passion and creativity. She leaves us with a great legacy, and we wish her all the best for the future.”