Paula joined PizzaExpress as CEO in May 2022 to lead the 10,000-strong team on the next stage of its growth – from digital transformation to restaurant refurbishments. She has over 20 years’ experience in transforming food and beverage companies and is known as a passionate brand builder and leader. Prior to PizzaExpress, Paula was UK & Ireland MD at KFC from 2017 until 2022. She led KFC through a transformation, accelerating revenue growth and helping to define food innovation, restaurant design and category-led chicken welfare. Paula has also worked in strategic roles for global brands including Diageo, GSK, innocent and Ernst & Young. Paula has an MA Economics from Cambridge and holds an ACA from ICAEW. Not only is Paula recognised for inspiring innovation, operational excellence and bold creative thinking, but also for her spearheading efforts on diversity, equality & inclusion within the sector. Additionally, she is currently a Non-Executive Director for the FTSE 100 retailer B&M and an Advisory Board Member for Pennies, the UK’s leading fintech charity.