Novak, David C., has been successful in leading some of the world's most famous companies. With a career spanning more than 40 years, he has been a proven leader in the corporate world. From being a co-founder at Yum! Brands, one of the world's largest restaurant companies, to being a director at Starwood Hotels and Resorts and United Rentals, he has excelled in a number of roles in the corporate world.
Novak attended Harvard College, where he completed a degree in philosophy, and then earned a MBA degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. After college, he went to work for Chase Manhattan Bank in the mergers and acquisitions department. Novak's career then took a turn, leading him into the restaurant industry. He first joined Long John Silver's as a senior vice president, and then, in 1988, he co-founded Yum! Brands with John Schnatter and Tricon Global Restaurants. Yum! Brands has since become one of the world's largest restaurant companies, with more than 46,000 restaurants in over 130 countries.
As the CEO at Yum! Brands, Novak was responsible for the growth and development of the company. He made key decisions that propelled the company to new heights, with Yum! Brands having a market cap of over $32 billion as of 2016. Novak was also credited as being an important figure in the growth of Yum! Brands' two main brands: Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. Under his leadership, Pizza Hut increased its sales by double and Taco Bell saw tremendous growth as well, establishing itself as a key part of American culture.
Novak also made an impact in the hospitality industry. He joined Starwood Hotels and Resorts as a director from 1999 to 2012. During his tenure, he drove the success and growth of the company. He was instrumental in overseeing the company's hotel portfolio, which increased from 800 to 1,100 properties. As a director, he also made key decisions in the expansion of Starwood's vacation club, timeshare, and other leisure operations.
Novak also served as a director at United Rentals from 2012 to 2018. During his tenure, United Rentals saw an incredible turnaround. The company had struggled financially prior to Novak becoming a director, but with him onboard, the company underwent significant changes and achieved significant financial success. Novak implemented a cost-cutting strategy and rationalized operations, leading the company to record profits.
Novak's success in the corporate world is a testament to his keen business acumen and leadership skills. He has a wealth of experience leading some of the world's largest companies and has a strong track record of success. In addition, he has a well-deserved reputation of being a financial steward and a leader who is creative and driven when making decisions.
Novak's success and influence can be measured not only by the companies he's led, but also by the impact he's had on the industry as a whole. He is a true corporate leader and his presence has helped shape the corporate landscape for decades. From his impressive career at Yum! Brands and Starwood Hotels and Resorts to his leadership at United Rentals, Novak has been a proven leader of successful companies.
