In a strategic move underscoring its ongoing focus on executive depth and legal stewardship, Inspire Brands has appointed Scott Catlett as its new Chief Legal Officer (CLO). The former Yum! Brands executive brings over two decades of high-stakes legal, regulatory, and corporate governance experience in the food and beverage industry.
The announcement comes amid increasing consolidation and regulatory scrutiny across the global restaurant sector, an environment where strong legal leadership is not just a support function but a competitive advantage.
Catlett most recently served as Chief Legal and Franchise Officer at Yum! Brands, overseeing legal strategy across KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill in over 150 countries. He spent more than two decades at Yum!, climbing the ranks from Vice President to General Counsel, playing a key role in steering complex global franchising operations, cross-border compliance, ESG regulations, and crisis management, including pandemic-era operational hurdles.
At Inspire, Catlett will lead the global Legal, Human Resources, Government Affairs teams, and other administrative functions for a portfolio of high-profile restaurant brands, including Arby’s, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, SONIC Drive-In, Baskin-Robbins, and Buffalo Wild Wings. The group currently operates over 32,000 restaurants in more than 70 markets, making it one of the largest restaurant groups in the world.
“I’m excited to welcome Scott to the team. His extensive industry experience and proven leadership will be key drivers of our long-term success,” said Paul Brown, CEO and Co-Founder of Inspire Brands, in a company statement. “His diverse background across multiple facets of the industry makes him a valuable addition to Inspire as we continue to grow and innovate.”
Catlett’s appointment reflects a broader trend of restaurant groups elevating the role of the CLO beyond traditional legal matters. As B2B restaurant models become more complex—with growing investments in technology, franchising, ESG reporting, labor law compliance, and international expansion—legal officers are expected to be proactive partners in shaping business strategy.
With Inspire Brands’ franchise-led growth model and increasing international ambitions, Catlett’s experience navigating global legal landscapes will likely influence how the group manages its franchisee relationships, international market entries, and digital infrastructure.
As Inspire Brands continues to shape itself as a next-generation restaurant platform company, Catlett’s hire reinforces the idea that legal leadership is now a boardroom conversation and not just a back-office necessity. In a fragmented yet highly regulated restaurant landscape, such appointments are a bellwether for how restaurant groups are preparing for the next wave of growth, governance, and global complexity.
