MUMBAI: Latest addition to the Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) board of directors Aylwin Lewis. Yum! Brands president, chief multibranding and operating officer was elected on 23 September, as a new independent director. The post is scheduled to be effective from January 2004.

According to Disney chairman and CEO Michael Eisner, as quoted in a company release, "The board was pleased to be able to recruit an executive of Aylwin's caliber. He has been at the forefront of consumer tastes and trends for his entire 27-year career. We are confident that he will bring his substantial and deep global operational experience to bear immediately to benefit Disney shareholders."

Lewis joined the KFC unit of YUM! Brands in 1990 as chief operating officer in 2000. 49, was named president, chief multibranding and operating officer in 2003. Before KFC, Lewis had experience with Jack in the Box, and with PepsiCo. In 2001, Lewis was elected a member of the board of directors of Halliburton Co.