1851

KFC announced today the appointment of John Mays as director of equity and inclusion for KFC, <a href="https://www.yum.com/wps/portal/yumbrands/Yumbrands/kfc-newsroom/detail/Vertical+Content_3-CW/kfc-director-equity-inclusion?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kfc-appoints-director-of-equity-and-inclusion-to-address-racial-inequities-2713770" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">according to a press release</a>. In this newly formed role, Mays will lead the development and implementation of KFC’s equity and inclusion vision and strategy to help position the brand as an industry leader across the United States.As director of equity and inclusion, Mays will lead <a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-consumers-want-brands-to-respond-to-the-racial-justice-movement-2713290">organizational changes, raise awareness of equity and diversity issues and develop policies to address equity</a> from the restaurant level to franchisees and the brand headquarters, the release states.“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. 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,” said John Mays, director, equity and inclusion, KFC U.S. “The entire KFC organization has rallied around and recognized that equity and inclusion is, and must continue to be, a priority. 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.”The release notes that in recent months, Mays has played an instrumental role in guiding and educating the brand on systemic racism, including helping to develop the brand’s external response to the deaths of Breonna Taylor, David McAtee, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and others, that have resulted in the continued demonstrations for social justice. Now, 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.KFC joins several other franchisors who have created similar positions. McDonald’s has a <a href="https://news.mcdonalds.com/stories/our-people-details/celebrating-and-advancing-women-wendy-lewis-2019?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kfc-appoints-director-of-equity-and-inclusion-to-address-racial-inequities-2713770" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">global chief diversity officer</a>, and Papa John’s brought on a <a href="https://www.courier-journal.com/story/money/companies/2018/08/06/papa-johns-diversity-chief-fixing-problem/890084002/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kfc-appoints-director-of-equity-and-inclusion-to-address-racial-inequities-2713770" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">chief of diversity, equity and inclusion</a> following the public fallout of founder John Schnatter after his use of a racist term. Earlier this month, <a href="https://www.bloominbrands.com/our-company/executive-leadership/bio/sheilina-henry?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kfc-appoints-director-of-equity-and-inclusion-to-address-racial-inequities-2713770" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bloomin’ Brands promoted Sheilina Henry to group vice president of diversity and inclusion</a>, and last week, Pizza Hut U.S. <a href="http://blog.pizzahut.com/pizza-hut-appoints-chequan-lewis-as-companys-first-ever-chief-equity-officer/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kfc-appoints-director-of-equity-and-inclusion-to-address-racial-inequities-2713770" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">named Chequan Lewis to the newly created role of chief equity officer</a>.While <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/02/demand-for-diversity-and-inclusion-professionals-set-to-rise-in-2020.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kfc-appoints-director-of-equity-and-inclusion-to-address-racial-inequities-2713770" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Glassdoor’s “2020 Job Trends” report</a> predicted that diversity and inclusion specialists would be one of the top priorities at the beginning of the year, this summer sparked an increased urgency behind the Black Lives Matter cause. Although many franchise brands have pledged support of Black Americans and promised to help their communities and improve their own organizations, putting a person in place to lead sustained work on matters of diversity and inclusion goes a step further as it points to a desire to improve the diversity of a company from within.

KFC Appoints Director of Equity and Inclusion to Address Racial Inequities

1851 Franchise

The chicken brand is just the latest franchise to create a full-time role dedicated to countering the effects of systemic racism.

kfc-appoints-director-of-equity-and-inclusion-to-address-racial-inequities

HomeTeam Inspection Service

Photo of HomeTeam Inspection Service representative giving presentation

Strategic Partnerships Fuel Franchise Growth at HomeTeam Inspection Service

hometeam-inspection-service-franchise-growth-partnerships

Express Employment Professionals

What’s in the 2025 FDD? A Closer Look for Express Employment Professionals Franchise Buyers

whats-in-the-2025-fdd-a-closer-look-for-express-employment-professionals-franchise-buyers

petbar

How-petbar-Makes-Pets-and-Their-Owners-Happy-as-Part-of-the-Family-in-a-Clean-and-Fun-Environment

How petbar Makes Pets and Their Owners Happy as Part of the Family in a Clean and Fun Environment

petbar-franchise-opportunity-boutique-pet-grooming

petbar Franchisees Win the $6.89B Global Market With Complete Transparency, Self-Service and Membership Models, Creating the Happiest Place for Dogs

petbar-franchise-opportunity

Why petbar Wants to Be the “Disney World for Dogs” — and a Dream Business for Franchisees

petbar-franchise-dan-ashley-o-loughlin-qa

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

Hardee’s Lawsuit Highlights the Risk of Going Off-Model in Franchising

hardees-franchise-lawsuit-paradigm-investment-group

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

KFC Appoints Director of Equity and Inclusion to Address Racial Inequities

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS