Joey Wat

Joey Wat is a prominent business leader and CEO of Yum China, the largest restaurant company in China, operating iconic brands like KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell within the region. Under her leadership, Yum China has solidified its position as a top player in the Chinese fast-food market, focusing on growth through digital innovation, sustainability, and localized menu adaptations. Wat's vision has helped the company excel, even in the face of a rapidly evolving consumer landscape and changing economic conditions, by making Yum China a leader in digital ordering and delivery services.

Originally from China, Wat earned her undergraduate degree in English Language and Literature from Hong Kong Polytechnic University and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Her career began in the retail and fashion sectors, including significant roles at A.S. Watson Group and later at Watsons China. She joined Yum China in 2014 as the President of KFC China, where she was instrumental in driving profitability and market expansion. In 2017, she became the Chief Operating Officer of Yum China and was named CEO in 2018.

Wat has driven Yum China’s transformation with a strong focus on digitalization and technology, emphasizing the role of data and artificial intelligence to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. Her initiatives have included expanding cashless payment options, developing advanced delivery systems, and using AI-driven analytics to better understand customer preferences and optimize operations.

Wat has been honored with consecutive inclusion in the Forbes' World’s Most Powerful Women list from 2020 to 2023 and Forbes China's 100 Top Businesswomen List from 2019 to 2023. Additionally, since 2018 she has been continually recognized on Fortune magazine’s Most Powerful Women in Business list and Fortune China's 50 Business Leaders. In 2020, she was also named to Business Insider’s 100 People Transforming Business in Asia list.

An advocate for diversity and sustainability, Wat has made it a priority to reduce Yum China’s environmental impact through initiatives that focus on reducing waste, conserving energy, and promoting sustainable sourcing. Widely respected for her strategic insight and operational excellence, she is often cited as one of the most influential women in business in China and continues to shape the future of the fast-food industry in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.