Jon-Paul Brett swaps fashion for fast food as he exits Burberry and heads to KFC UK and Ireland
Jon-Paul Brett has taken on the role of Chief Digital & Technology Officer at KFC UK & Ireland. He joins from Burberry, where he spent the past ten and a half years, most recently serving as Global Digital Director.
A spokesperson for KFC UK & Ireland says: “Our Original Recipe hasn’t changed. How we run KFC definitely has. Behind the scenes, we’re exploring how AI can empower our restaurants, giving our teams more time to focus on what matters most: our customers and our fried chicken.”
“With 70% of transactions already digital, we’re continuing to modernise our restaurants through new designs, digital kiosks, and digital drive-thrus. Creating a simpler, more convenient experience for customers, whether they eat in or take food to go. So there couldn’t be a better time to welcome Jon-Paul Brett our new Chief Digital & Technology Officer for KFC UK & Ireland.”
They added: “Jon-Paul joined us in July and has wasted no time getting stuck in. He’s been out in restaurants meeting the team members who use our tech every day, while also spending time with our Tech team and franchise partners to understand where the biggest opportunities lie to create best in class experiences for our teams and customers.”
Brett comments: “The best way to understand KFC UK & Ireland is to get close to the restaurants, teams, and franchise partners who bring the brand to life every day. Since joining as Chief Digital & Technology Officer last month, I’ve spent time across the business: meeting restaurant teams, working with our brilliant tech team, and getting to know our franchise community.”
He adds: “There’s real energy across KFC; big ambition, passionate people, and a clear opportunity for technology to unlock the next stage of growth. What has stood out most is the pride in the brand, the pace in our restaurants, and the shared desire to keep improving for our customers. KFC UK & Ireland has a bold future ahead, with technology playing a critical role in shaping better experiences for our customers, employees, and franchise partners. Now the focus is on action: building the capability, pace, and partnerships that help our teams, customers, and franchise partners feel the benefit of technology every day.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
AI 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.
