IMAGE: KFC & Nixx Photography / Shutterstock.com
As part of his new role, Mays will ensure KFC is equipped for the needs and expectations of the modern social landscape.
KFC has announced the appointment of John Mays as the director of equity and inclusion for KFC U.S. In this newly formed role, Mays will lead the development and implementation of KFC’s equity and inclusion vision, and position the brand as an industry leader across the U.S.
Mays originally joined KFC as a manager of restaurant strategies in 2015, and garnered the trust and respect of franchisees, team members, and leaders across the brand. In his most recent role as franchise business coach, Mays supported and advised more than 1,000 franchise restaurants across 20 states.
“At KFC, we have a passion for food and serving it with pride; we are also a people-first culture, and John embodies this culture day in and day out, making him the perfect person for this new role,” said John Kurnick, chief people officer, KFC U.S. “His drive and ability to build upon our culture of inclusion will enhance our existing foundational efforts as a brand – from employee resource groups to KFC’s inclusive hiring initiative.”
In recent months, Mays has been instrumental in guiding and educating KFC on systemic racism, in light of the deaths of figures such as Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd. He will take the lead on the development of steps and actions that ensure the brand’s equity and inclusion vision is embedded into the organization’s structure, processes, and decision-making – benefiting not just KFC employees, franchisees, and restaurant-level team members, but KFC customers as well.
“My driving passion is making sure everyone feels empowered to bring the best authentic version of themselves to the workplace and no one is left behind,” said John Mays. “And while equity and inclusion may look different for everyone, if we can spark change by capturing on the momentum of this moment to become a sustainable movement for our brand, then I believe KFC will have done something extraordinary.
“I’m ready to take on this challenge, shake things up, and help make KFC – a place that has made me feel like family for almost five years – a catalyst for positive change in the industry.”
