By George Stahl
McDonald's Corp., struggling amid declining sales and menu
changes, said Don Thompson will step down as president and chief
executive, effective March 1.
The fast-food chain will replace Mr. Thompson with Steve
Easterbrook, who was the company's chief brand officer. Mr.
Easterbrook also will join the board of directors, replacing Mr.
Thompson.
McDonald's is battling economic hurdles, changes in consumer
tastes and its own menu missteps, all of which led customer traffic
last year to fall 3.6% globally, including a 4.1% drop in the U.S.,
its most important market. The company last week reported a 21%
drop in fourth-quarter earnings.
On McDonald's conference call last week, Mr. Thompson said,
"We're changing, and we're doing it aggressively. However, it will
take time, especially in our larger markets, for customers to
notice the comprehensive changes that are under way."
The restaurant expects January same-store sales to decline.
McDonald's has said its broad, complicated menu slows service,
and that it has lost touch with younger consumers, who are trading
their Big Macs for seemingly healthier, fresher options like those
at Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. It also is losing customers to more
upscale sandwich rivals such as Five Guys Holdings LLC and
Chick-fil-A Inc.
This month, McDonald's launched a new marketing campaign in the
U.S. with commercials and food packaging designed to refresh its
longtime "I'm lovin' it" slogan, under Chief Marketing Officer
Deborah Wahl, who joined in March, and McDonald's U.S.A. President
Mike Andres, who took over in October.
Mr. Easterbrook led McDonald's efforts to elevate its marketing,
advance menu innovation, and create an infrastructure for its
digital initiatives. He previously served in leadership roles
across the company's global business, including president of
McDonald's Europe.
In addition, McDonald's named Pete Bensen to the newly created
role of chief administrative officer, overseeing the company's
operations. Mr. Bensen had been chief financial officer. Kevin
Ozan, who currently serves as corporate controller, will succeed
Bensen as chief financial officer.
The moves by Mr. Bensen and Mr. Ozan also will be effective
March 1.
Write to George Stahl at george.stahl@wsj.com
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