Bridget Coffing has been named as McDonald's senior vice president of corporate relations, the company's top public relations position. She will report to CEO Jim Skinner.
Coffing most recently served as vice president of global external communications.
She succeeds Jack Daly, who lost his battle with cancer in February.
In her new role, Coffing will head up media relations, marketing communications, public relations, corporate social responsibility, internal communications and government relations.
She has developed communications strategies and initiatives to reinforce McDonald's commitment to children's well-being, Ronald McDonald House Charities, marketing leadership, sports and entertainment alliances, global field communications, and worldwide consumer brand activities including McDonald's FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games sponsorships.
Coffing first started working for McDonald's in 1985. Prior she worked for Golin/Harris Communications, specializing in food and consumer marketing.
"The communications landscape is rapidly changing, and I'm honored to lead McDonald's continued efforts to connect with our customers, employees, stakeholders, and the media in creative and innovative ways," Coffing said. "Our talented teams around the world are passionate about our role in serving our customers and helping to move the brand forward."
New McNuggets sauces
McDonald's is dressing up its Chicken McNuggets with four new dipping sauces. In addition to the classic Tangy Barbeque and Sweet 'n Sour flavors, the chain has introduced Honey Mustard, Creamy Ranch, Sweet Chili and Spicy Buffalo sauces to its options.
To celebrate the new flavors, McDonald's has launched an interactive Chicken McNugget Saucy Challenge on its website.
McDonald's Australia hiring baristas to improve coffee
Apparently some Australians aren't satisfied with the quality of McDonald's coffee. After receiving "overwhelming" negative feedback from unhappy coffee drinkers, the company launched a multimillion dollar ad campaign apologizing for the subpar item, and is set to hire professional baristas to help remedy the dissatisfaction.
The Australian reports that McDonald's mea culpa is a first for the company, which has more than 650 units throughout the country.
Taking a page from Domino's "Oh Yes We Did" campaign from last year, McDonald's Australia's chief operating officer Helen Nash told The Australian, "Australians have a very sophisticated palate and we are not delivering a strong cup of coffee ... Customers have told us we can do better and we are saying 'we have heard you and now we hope you notice the difference.'"
