OAK BROOK, Ill. — McDonald's USA has announced the promotion of William (Bill) Whitman Jr. to vice president, U.S. Communications. Whitman replaces Richard Ellis, who re-joined McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Ltd. In his new role, Whitman will report directly to Don Thompson, president, McDonald's USA.
As vice president of communications, Whitman will serve as the chief communications officer for the U.S. company. He will oversee management communications, internal and external communications, media relations, public affairs and stakeholder engagement, and will continue to serve as the chief spokesman for the U.S. company.
Whitman started with McDonald's 10 years ago as supervisor of media relations with the company's communications department. Most recently, he was senior director, media relations and public affairs, McDonald's USA. In this role, he served as the chief spokesman for McDonald's USA.
Prior to joining McDonald's, Whitman held communications and public affairs positions at Exxon USA and Fleishman-Hillard. He received a bachelor of science in fine arts and communications from Southern Illinois University.
