Collins Foods ex-CEO Kevin Perkins returns as interim chief

The news: Collins Foods CEO and managing director Drew O'Malley has taken an immediate leave of absence, with former CEO Kevin Perkins appointed as interim head of the KFC and Taco Bell operator.

The numbers: O'Malley will take a leave of absence for at least three months to allow him to focus on a serious health issue affecting a member of his immediately family. Perkins, who has over 40 years of experience with Collins Foods, is currently the company's largest shareholder with 7,241,484 shares – approximately 6.16%.

The context: Perkins has been a non-executive director of the company since retiring as CEO in 2014. He has been appointed on the same commercial terms as O'Malley, minus incentives, totalling $850,000 per annum, pro-rated to reflect the six month term.