Taco Bell promotes several executives

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Taco Bell has announced several executive promotions aimed at continuing its domestic momentum and building on its goal of becoming a major global brand. The promotions sharpen Taco Bell’s focus on three functions, specifically — brand, digital & technology, and development.

They include:

• Taylor Montgomery, former chief marketing officer, U.S., has been elevated to global chief brand officer and will also join the Taco Bell Foundation board. In his new role, he will oversee global brand creative, influencer and community engagement, and brand strategy. He has been with Taco Bell since 2016.

• Luis Restrepo has been promoted to chief marketing officer, U.S., and is tasked with driving market share and consumer connection through marketing platforms and product innovation. He has served as vice president of brand and product marketing for the past two years.

• Dane Mathews has been named global chief digital & technology officer, tasked with enhancing customer and team member experiences through digital and technology solutions. He joined Taco Bell in 2022 as the U.S. chief digital and technology officer.

• Additionally, Amy Ellis Durini’s role has expanded to include strategy alongside her remit as International CMO.

• Also, Julie Davis has added chief development officer of Taco Bell International to her responsibilities as global chief legal officer and Taco Bell Foundation executive sponsor. 

These promotions come as Taco Bell — which represents more than 80% of parent company Yum Brands’ U.S. operating profit — continues to outpace most of the limited-service market, including 4% same-store sales growth in its most recent quarter. In August, Yum CEO David Gibbs said Taco Bell is the only top 10 restaurant brand in the world that has achieved positive quarterly sales for five years in a row. The chain hasn’t even experienced a negative week this year, he added.

They also come as parent company Yum Brands undergoes its own C-suite shuffle, which includes Sean Tresvant’s recent promotion to chief consumer officer. He will also continue in his ongoing role as Taco Bell chief executive officer.  

“Taco Bell’s future is built on being both globally consistent and locally relevant. Taylor, Luis, Dane, Amy, and Julie are exceptional leaders who embody our values and vision. Their passion for culture, innovation, and connection will ensure Taco Bell continues to resonate with fans everywhere, fueling growth for our franchisees and the brand globally. With this championship team in place, we’re ready to R.I.N.G. the Bell by relentlessly innovating for the next generation of growth,” Tresvant said in a statement.