Ahmed Arafa

Marketing Director at KFC MENAPAKT & CIS , YUM Brands

Ahmed Arafa Marketing Director at KFC MENAPAKT & CIS Ahmed Arafa is an accomplished marketing leader with a proven track record of success in the fast-food industry. Currently serving as the Marketing Director at KFC MENAPAKT & CIS, a division of the renowned YUM Brands, Ahmed plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing marketing strategies for the iconic KFC brand. Since he joined, he helped re-ignite the brand through introducing THE ORIGINALS as the new communication platform which helped KFC venture into the world of music and brought a lot of relevancy & distinctiveness to the brand. He also played a pivotal role in nurturing the brand in key cultural moments. Prior to his role at KFC, Ahmed made significant contributions as the Head of Marketing for KIND at Mars Wrigley MEA, where he led the launch of the brand to be the #1 healthy snack bar in the region during his 3-year tenure. Ahmed's impressive journey began at PepsiCo, where he dedicated nearly a decade of his career from 2009 to 2019. As the Senior Marketing Manager for APAC & MEA, he played a key role in driving the success of the beloved Pepsi brand across the MENA region. Managing the CSD business, which included Pepsi, 7up, Mirinda, and Mountain Dew, Ahmed demonstrated his marketing acumen and strategic vision. Additionally, Ahmed expertly managed PepsiCo's diverse portfolio of extruded products, overseeing popular offerings like Cheetos and various value brands. He was instrumental in the successful launch of new products within this category, further solidifying his reputation as a marketing maven. With an in-depth understanding of the food and beverage industry and a dynamic, results-driven approach, Ahmed Arafa has earned a reputation as a visionary marketing leader. His strategic insights and ability to drive impactful campaigns have played a pivotal role in enhancing the market presence and growth of the brands he's worked with. Outside of his professional achievements, Ahmed is known for his strong leadership skills, collaborative spirit, and passion for mentoring young talent. He continues to inspire and shape the marketing landscape in the fast-food industry with his innovative ideas and unwavering dedication to excellence, making him a key asset to the success of KFC in the MENAPAKT & CIS region.