Paula MacKenzie leaves KFC UK & Ireland

Paula MacKenzie, general manager of KFC UK & Ireland for the last five years, has left the business this week for a new role.

Chief people officer Neil Piper has been appointed interim general manager, with "further details to be announced in due course".

A KFC spokesperson said: "Paula has been an indominable force as general manager over the last five years, helping KFC to achieve huge business growth to £1.7b, roll out transformative restaurant design, and just last month open the landmark 1,000th restaurant in the region.

"Paula's passion and dedication to culture and people whilst balancing business growth has been instrumental to the brands dominance in the market, and she leaves with KFC going from strength to strength in the UK & Ireland."

Prior to becoming general manager, MacKenzie held roles at KFC including chief financial officer and business development director.

The group revealed plans last month to launch a further 300 sites over the next five years. It works with 33 different franchisees in the UK and Ireland, which have made both countries one of the restaurant chain's fastest growing markets outside China and the United States.

The company's plans also include a goal of removing 20% of calories per serving from its menu items by 2025.