CEO
Tarun Lal is the Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors at Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. (PLAY), appointed effective July 14, 2025.[[1]](https://fintool.com/app/research/companies/PLAY/people/tarun-lal)[[2]](https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/leadership/dave-busters-names-former-kfc-exec-tarun-lal-ceo) At 56 years old, he brings over 25 years of experience at Yum! Brands, where he most recently served as President of KFC U.S. (appointed in 2022), Global COO for KFC, and Managing Director overseeing KFC operations in the Middle East, Turkey, Africa, India, and Pakistan, driving brand expansions, digital innovation, and growth in complex markets.[[1]](https://fintool.com/app/research/companies/PLAY/people/tarun-lal)[[2]](https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/leadership/dave-busters-names-former-kfc-exec-tarun-lal-ceo)[[4]](http://fesmag.com/topics/the-latest-news/22861-dave-busters-names-new-ceo)
Lal's compensation includes a base salary of $800,000, target annual bonus of 100% of base salary, and performance-based PSUs tied to metrics like 2027 Adjusted EBITDA of $600–$675 million, same-store sales growth of 3–5%, and relative TSR, with public emphasis on achieving $675 million EBITDA.[[1]](https://fintool.com/app/research/companies/PLAY/people/tarun-lal) Under his leadership, strategic initiatives include season pass programs, menu refreshes, and arcade enhancements to boost traffic and sales amid prior declines.[[1]](https://fintool.com/app/research/companies/PLAY/people/tarun-lal)[[2]](https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/leadership/dave-busters-names-former-kfc-exec-tarun-lal-ceo)
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