September 21, 2025

Leadership Changes in Plano, Texas

News Summary

Leadership developments are underway in Plano, Texas, as Yum! Brands announces its new CEO, Chris Turner, amidst retirements, including David Gibbs. Additionally, Tyler Technologies and Upbound Group are also making significant leadership changes. These transitions signify Plano’s growing importance in the corporate landscape, with businesses adapting strategies to bolster innovation and workforce consolidation.

Texas – Yum! Brands, a multinational fast-food corporation headquartered in Plano, Texas, has appointed Chris Turner as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2023. The decision follows the announcement of David Gibbs’ retirement after a career spanning 37 years with the company.

Turner, who currently serves as the Chief Financial & Franchise Officer at Yum! Brands, will assume leadership of the corporation. Gibbs expressed gratitude for his tenure with the company and highlighted the potential for future growth under Turner’s direction. This leadership transition comes as the company continues to mobilize its workforce, with plans to relocate 100 corporate employees from Louisville to its Global headquarters in Plano.

The appointment of Turner is seen as a strategic move as he brings significant experience from his previous roles. Prior to joining Yum! Brands, he worked at PepsiCo, where he managed the retail and e-commerce businesses that involved partnerships with major retailers, including Walmart, both in the U.S. and internationally. Additionally, Turner has a robust background in consulting, having spent over 13 years at McKinsey & Co., where he held the position of Partner and led several practices.

In the broader context of corporate leadership changes in Plano, Tyler Technologies, another company based in the area, recently overhauled its leadership team. Rusty Smith will expand his role to oversee both the State & Federal Group and the Justice Group. Bret Dixon, the president of Tyler’s State & Federal Group, is set to retire in June 2025 after serving the company for 17 years. Following his retirement, Dixon will transition to the role of executive advisor to assist with the leadership change.

Tyler Technologies is known for its integrated software and technology services tailored for the public sector. The company provides established solutions across various levels of government, ensuring effective operations and service delivery.

Furthermore, Plano-based Upbound Group has also made notable changes in its leadership. Fahmi Karam will succeed Mitch Fadel as CEO starting June 1, following Fadel’s decision to retire after 40 years with the company. Karam comes to the position with nearly 25 years of comprehensive strategic and financial experience, and he aims to further develop Upbound’s tech-driven financial solutions.

Under Fadel’s leadership, Upbound transitioned its business model from a traditional brick-and-mortar focus to an omni-channel lease-to-own platform. This significant shift aligns with the company’s recent acquisition of Brigit, a financial health technology firm, for $460 million, which has raised Upbound’s profile in technology-driven leasing solutions.

The recent executive appointments and structural changes within these Plano-based companies reflect the city’s growing significance as a hub for corporate leadership transitions and strategic innovations across various sectors. As businesses adapt to evolving market demands, they continue to seek leadership that can guide them toward sustained growth and development.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN

The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.