Java set to name ex-KFC boss as chief executive Monday February 22 2021 By BONFACE OTIENO Summary Restaurant chain Java House Africa is set to tap former KFC boss as its new chief executive amid its expansion quest in Africa. Derrick Van Houten, a former KFC executive is set to take over from Paul Smith as Java head from March 1. The executive change comes as Java seeks to open more outlets in Africa to emulate KFC, which has over 1,200 outlets in the continent. Restaurant chain Java House Africa is set to tap former KFC boss as its new chief executive amid its expansion quest in Africa.