KFC Appoints Director of Equity and Inclusion to Address Racial Inequities

KFC announced today the appointment of John Mays as director of equity and inclusion for KFC, according to a press release. 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 organizational changes, raise awareness of equity and diversity issues and develop policies to address equity 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 global chief diversity officer, and Papa John’s brought on a chief of diversity, equity and inclusion following the public fallout of founder John Schnatter after his use of a racist term. Earlier this month, Bloomin’ Brands promoted Sheilina Henry to group vice president of diversity and inclusion, and last week, Pizza Hut U.S. named Chequan Lewis to the newly created role of chief equity officer.

While Glassdoor’s “2020 Job Trends” report 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.