McDonald’s UK appoints new chief executive

- Published: 03 September, 2010

McDonald’s UK has appointed its first female CEO in Jill McDonald, replacing Steve Easterbrook who has become the company’s executive vice-president and global chief brand officer.

McDonald, formerly chief marketing officer for the firm, holds a first-class degree in Business Studies and began her marketing career at Colgate Palmolive as a graduate trainee. She joined British Airways as a brand manager in 1990 and held a number of senior marketing positions in the UK and overseas, joining McDonald’s in 2006.

McDonald’s full title will be McDonald’s UK and Northern Division CEO and her new role was effective on 1 September.

McDonald’s European president Denis Hennequin, said: “Jill’s ability to drive innovation in our menu and the way that we communicate with our customers has been key to our success in the UK. With her strong strategic skills, I’m delighted that she’ll be leading our business in the UK and Northern Europe.”

Easterbrook has taken on a newly created role, which encompasses marketing, menu innovation, consumer insight and other global brand assets. He will also provide strategic leadership on restaurant design and corporate social responsibility. The 43-year-old joined the company in 1994 and was appointed CEO of the UK business in 2006 and president of the Northern European division (Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden and the UK) in 2007.

>>McDonald’s holds Olympic beef farm visit

>>McDonald’s praised by Jamie Oliver for ethics