McDonald’s names Steve Easterbrook as global chief brand officer
26 August 2010 09:35
McDonald's Corporation has announced that Steve Easterbrook, currently president and CEO of McDonald's United Kingdom and President of Europe's Northern Division, has been named as McDonald's executive vice president and global chief brand officer.
Global chief brand officer is a newly-created position designed to encompass marketing, menu innovation, consumer insights and other global brand assets at McDonald's. Mr Easterbrook will also provide strategic leadership on corporate social responsibility and restaurant architecture.
"McDonald's is among the most recognised brands in the world, and that's an honour we embrace everyday," Mr Easterbrook said. "Given our outstanding global performance, we have a tremendous opportunity to go even further in showing our customers what makes us unique as the leader in our industry."
He will report to president and chief operating officer Don Thompson from September 1st 2010.
"Steve has earned tremendous respect for his inspired leadership and his proven track record of driving the business in the U.K. and Northern Europe," said Mr Thompson. "Our customers rely on our brand to deliver high quality food at the convenience and value they expect from McDonald's. This strategic position will help us better serve and connect with our customers."
"We're confident that Steve is the right person to step up and help keep our brand relevant and contemporary around the world," added McDonald's CEO Jim Skinner. "This new position is a natural evolution of our commitment to our customers and our pledge to be better, not just bigger."
Mr Easterbrook is a 16-year McDonald's veteran with experience in finance, operations, and supply chain. He took over as CEO of the UK in April 2006, and added responsibility for Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Ireland in January 2007.
In other news, Jill McDonald, who is currently chief marketing officer for Northern Europe, will succeed Mr Easterbrook as CEO of the UK and president of Northern Europe. She will report to Denis Hennequin, president of McDonald's Europe.
"Jill's ability to drive innovation in our menu and in the way that we communicate with our customers has been key to our success in the UK," said Mr Hennequin. "With her strong leadership and strategic skills, I'm delighted that she'll be leading our business in the UK and Northern Europe."
Ms McDonald joined the company in 2006 with extensive marketing experience from global brands such as Colgate Palmolive and British Airways.
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