Steve Easterbrook has been named president of McDonald's Europe effective Dec. 1. He currently serves as the company's executive vice president and the newly created global chief brand officer.
Previously, Easterbrook served as CEO of McDonald's United Kingdom and president of Europe's Northern Division.
He succeeds Denis Hennequin, who resigned to join Accor Hotels Group as CEO.
In his new role, Easterbrook will oversee the operations of more than 6,800 units in 39 European countries. He will report to McDonald's president and COO Don Thompson.
"Steve's keen knowledge of our business in Europe and his consumer-driven approach to building our brand make him the ideal choice to lead McDonald's Europe," said Thompson. "We are confident that his strong commitment to our customers and to our employees will fuel continued success in Europe."
Easterbrook has worked for McDonald's for 16 years in areas of finance, operations and supply chain. He was named CEO of the UK in 2006, and added Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway and Ireland to his portfolio in 2007.
His appointment comes in the middle of McDonald's focused growth in Europe, including a $1.1 billion invesment in restaurant upgrades.
