How Jim Skinner flipped McDonald's
January 8, 2007
The Wall Street Journal: Four years ago, Jim Skinner huddled with a handful of other McDonald's Corp. executives to tackle a big problem: The company, by most measures, was doing terribly. Mr. Skinner had just been named vice chairman and was part of a new management team charged with helping reverse the company's sliding profits.
Three days later, the group emerged with a new strategy named Plan to Win. Instead of continuing to build lots of restaurants, the company would focus on improving existing locations. The goals: faster, friendlier service; tastier food; more appealing ambience; better value; and sharper marketing.