Steve’s breakdown: So the CEO is going to lead marketing until they find a replacement. hmmm… Could be a great time to get in there and help these folks out.

IRVINE, CA: David Ovens, chief marketing officer for Taco Bell Corp. , has resigned for personal reasons after four years in the position, the company said Friday.

The quick-serve restaurant, based in Irvine, is a subsidiary of Louisville, Ky.-based Yum! Brands Inc.

Ovens had been working with company executives on a plan to reignite the brand, according to Taco Bell spokesman Rob Poetsch, but he decided to return to Australia with his family.

Ovens had joined Taco Bell in the United States after serving as chief marketing officer for Yum! Restaurants International in Australia and New Zealand.

The chain’s CEO, Greg Creed, will lead the marketing team while Taco Bell searches for a replacement, Poetsch said.

Yum Brands (NYSE: YUM) also is the parent company of Pizza Hut and KFC.

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