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

Pet Wants

Why Fresh, Healthy Food Matters for Your Pet's Long-Term Health

fresh-pet-food-unleashing-the-power-of-healthy-nutrition-for-your-furry-family

Caring Transitions

Caring Transitions Targets Fresno, California, for Franchise Growth

caring-transitions-targets-fresno-california-for-franchise-growth

Strategic Franchising

Work-Life Balance as a Franchise Owner: Is It Possible?

work-life-balance-as-a-franchise-owner-is-it-possible

The Top 10 Questions To Ask Before Buying a Franchise

top-10-questions-to-ask-before-buying-a-franchise

Caring Transitions Targets Memphis, Tennessee, for Franchise Growth

caring-transitions-targets-memphis-tennessee-for-franchise-growth

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 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

Roof Scientist Launches Franchise Opportunity, Revolutionizing Roof Preservation with Innovative Technology

roof-scientist-launches-franchise-opportunity-revolutionizing-roof-preservation-with-innovative-technology

Restaurant Business: How McDonald's Is Restructuring To Compete With Specialized Chains

restaurant-business-how-mcdonalds-is-restructuring-to-compete-with-specialized-chains

Design with hundred dollar bill and orange "recession" banner across the middle

ABC News: Recession Risks Are Rising, Economists Say. Here’s What to Know.

recession-risks-impact-economy-franchise-world

NRA: Restaurants Focus On Enhancing In-Store Experiences To Attract Diners in 2025

nra-restaurants-focus-on-enhancing-in-store-experiences-to-attract-diners-in-2025

The Joint Chiropractic - Dr. Anthony Tran - IFA Franchisee of the Year - 1851 Franchise

The Joint Chiropractic’s Dr. Anthony Tran Named Franchisee of the Year by the IFA

joint-chiropractic-dr-anthony-tran-ifa

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

DOJ FTC Antitrust Guidelines - Franchise News - 1851 Franchise

DOJ and FTC Issue New Antitrust Guidelines with Implications for Franchising

doj-and-ftc-issue-new-antitrust-guidelines-with-implications-for-franchising

Photo of a basket of chicken wings with dipping sauce and celery

RestaurantNews: Franchisees File Comprehensive Legal Complaint Against Hurricane AMT

restaurantnews-franchisees-file-comprehensive-legal-complaint-against-hurricane-amt

TruGolf - Hybrid Golf Franchise - Nexus Golf - 1851 Franchise

TruGolf Links Unveils Revolutionary Hybrid Golf Franchise Concept

trugolf-links-unveils-revolutionary-hybrid-golf-franchise-concept

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

florida-franchisee-reflects-on-success-and-growth-with-sylvan-learning

Domonique Downing - Big Frog Franchise - Fayetteville, GA - 1851 Franchise

Coca-Cola Scientist Finds Path to Autonomy with Big Frog Franchise in Fayetteville, Georgia

big-frog-franchise-fayetteville-georgia

Top 25 Emerging Restaurant Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Top 25 Emerging Restaurant Concepts to Consider in 2025

top-emerging-restaurant-concepts-to-consider

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

The Top Quick Service Restaurant Franchises for 2025

the-top-quick-service-restaurant-franchises

KFC Appoints Director of Equity and Inclusion to Address Racial Inequities

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS