ATLANTA – Church’s Chicken, and sister brands Texas Chicken and Church’s Texas Chicken, promoted Russ Sumrall to senior vice president of international strategic development.

Sumrall previously worked as vice president of international development and franchisee profitability. He helped launch Texas Chicken into seven countries in East Africa, Cambodia and Qatar. During his tenure, Sumrall also grew businesses in Canadian provinces and grew new business with existing franchisees in Mexico, Thailand, Singapore and the Middle East. By the end of 2020, Sumrall had helped open 76 new locations around the world. 

“Even in the most challenging of times, Russ has effectively navigated new country entries and robust development agreements that focus on improving profitability across APAC, EMEA, and the Americas,” said Kevin Corning, executive vice president of international business. “I am proud of the leadership Russ brings to our brands and our tremendous growth across the world.”

Before working at Church’s Chicken in 2018, Sumrall held several leadership positions with the quick-service restaurant industry. His domestic operations focus moved to international markets in 2000.

“We are truly primed for tremendous international growth with our Church’s Texas Chicken and Texas Chicken brands,” Sumrall said. “This has resulted in record setting growth each of the last three years. Today, we operate in 27 international markets and have agreements in place to expand to nine more. Beyond that we are focused on 18 additional markets in the next four years. Our team is ready to bring on great new franchisees to realize dramatic growth for our brands.”

Sumrall holds a master’s degree in Global Hospitality Management from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in International Trade and Finance from Louisiana State University.