Yum China Elevates Adrian Ding to Chief Financial Officer Following Successful Tenure

Yum China Selects Adrian Ding for CFO Role

Yum China Holdings, Inc. has recently made a significant announcement regarding its leadership structure. Adrian Ding has officially been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the company, effective from March 6, 2025. This decision follows a comprehensive search process aimed at identifying the right candidate for this pivotal role.

Before his formal appointment, Adrian had already been serving as the Acting Chief Financial Officer since October 2024. His impact during this period has been noteworthy, and the company expresses confidence in his abilities. Joey Wat, the CEO of Yum China, stated, "We are delighted to announce Adrian's appointment as our CFO. Over the last five months, he has made significant contributions, proving himself as the ideal candidate to serve as the Chief Financial Officer of Yum China."

Adrian Ding's relationship with Yum China dates back to March 2019 when he joined as Vice President of Corporate Finance. His journey within the company continued upward, and from February 2020 until now, he held the position of Chief Investment Officer. Throughout his six years at Yum China, he has been at the forefront of various investment initiatives and capital markets projects. These efforts have played a crucial role in enhancing Yum China's portfolio and organizational capabilities. Notably, Adrian was instrumental in significant acquisitions, including KFC joint-venture stakes and strategic investments aimed at strengthening the supply chain and technology sectors.

Not only has he excelled in financial strategy, but he also played a key role in driving the company's listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, a major milestone in Yum China's growth strategy. Furthermore, from March 2022 to December 2024, Adrian served as General Manager of the Lavazza joint venture, where he helped establish and build the Lavazza coffee business within China.

Prior to his tenure at Yum China, Adrian had a brief stint with Alibaba Group Holding Limited in 2018, focusing on strategic investments in technology and media. His experience doesn't stop there; he has a robust background in investment banking, having advised clients on various capital markets and merger and acquisition (M&A) projects. Notably, Adrian held significant roles in notable institutions such as UBS AG, Morgan Stanley, and Citigroup Global Markets Asia Limited.

In addition to his corporate achievements, Adrian serves as a director of Fujian Sunner Development Co., Ltd. His strong educational background includes a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Columbia Business School, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Quantitative Finance from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Looking forward, Yum China is optimistic about the future under Adrian Ding's leadership as CFO. The company is poised for growth, with a robust RGM 2.0 strategy aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. As stated by CEO Joey Wat, Adrian's in-depth understanding of Yum China's strategies and strong business acumen are expected to propel the company to new heights. Adrian’s appointment signals a continued commitment to innovation and excellence within Yum China, as it aims to maintain its position as the largest restaurant company in China with over 16,000 locations and a diverse portfolio of brands including KFC, Pizza Hut, and others.

In summary, Adrian Ding's official promotion to CFO marks a key moment for Yum China, as the company prepares to navigate the next phase of its ambitious growth plan. The backing of Adrian’s extensive experience and the strategic methods he has employed promise to be a formidable advantage for the company in the highly competitive restaurant industry.