McDonald’s boss steps down
Charlie Bell facing cancer battle
Charlie Bell has stepped down as chief executive of fast food giant McDonald’s seven months after taking up the top job.
Bell, who was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this year, is leaving the business to focus on fighting the illness. He took up the role after the death in April of Jim Cantalupo, who died following a heart attack.
McDonald’s announced that Jim Skinner, currently vice chairman, has been elected chief executive Officer, while Mike Roberts, currently CEO of McDonald’s USA, becomes chief operating officer.
Andrew McKenna, chairman of McDonald’s, said: “Charlie Bell has informed us of his decision to step down immediately from his role as president and chief executive officer of McDonald’s to devote all of his time and energy to his courageous battle against cancer. Charlie is a remarkable leader and well loved by the McDonald’s family, and we fully understand and respect his decision.”
He added: “In Jim Skinner, McDonald’s has an outstanding leader who will continue the strategic focus established by Jim Cantalupo and Charlie Bell. In the course of his 33-year career at McDonald’s, he has led every restaurant geography of the company – and like Charlie before him, his McDonald’s roots are in the details and discipline of restaurant operations and customer service.”
“Mike Roberts has led a remarkable resurgence as CEO of McDonald’s USA, with the US on its way to a second consecutive year of double-digit operating income growth. This has energized the entire McDonald’s system. In his new role, Mike will bring his energy and experienced leadership to McDonald’s restaurant operations throughout the world.”
