Dhiren Karnani steps into role of Senior Director - Global Head of Food and Experience at KFC
Dhiren Karnani has taken on the role of Senior Director - Global Head of Food and Experience at KFC, leading the company’s global food innovation agenda, scaling Kwench by KFC as its new beverage platform, and shaping the next generation of restaurant design and experience.
He joined Yum! Brands, the fast food giant’s owner, in 2025 and previously served as Global Director, Next Generation KFC & New Concepts.
“It’s an especially exciting moment to take on this role as KFC enters its next chapter. The food we serve and the experience consumers have in our restaurants will play an important part in how we set the standard for modern chicken QSR,” he says. “Very much looking forward to working more closely with our brilliant teams and partners around the world to turn that ambition into experiences consumers enjoy every day.”
Popeyes
KFC rival Popeyes Louisiana Chicken recently opened its first ever restaurant in the Republic of Ireland. This is located at the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre in Dublin.
Mike Tinnion, Creative Director at Popeyes, said: “The queues didn’t let up once during opening day (video taken yesterday before the chaos). Brilliant to see so many people trying our famous Louisiana chicken for the very first time.”
He added: “Super proud of the screen: a brand new digital display that doubles up as the entrance, blending animation and real photography. Its only job is to create atmosphere and bring our brand to life in a fun, engaging way. You’ll never see a sales message on it. That’s the whole point. And it’s the first of its kind across our 120-strong portfolio in the UK and Ireland. Massive thanks to all the usual culprits, with a special shout out to MediaNerd and Rèmi Cabarrou for bringing the content to life. Onto the next one!”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
