News

McDonald's marketing leader announces retirement

September 25, 2013

Neil Golden, McDonald's chief marketing officer, announced Tuesday that he is retiring after 24 years with the company. His departure is expected in early 2014, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Golden has been the chain's CMO since 2008, and headed the introduction of the McCafe, the expansion of the Dollar Menu, and the addition of healthier options to the Happy Meal.

Golden's announcement comes as McDonald's tries to find solid footing amidst relatively flat sales. In 2012, same-store sales were up 3.3 percent. Last month, they were up 0.2 percent. Executives pointed to a persistently challenging economic environment for the stagnation.

"Looking ahead, we remain confident in the future and direction of our business and our brand. We are aligned on strategies that will take our success to the next level," Chief Brand and Strategy Officer Kevin Newell said in a statement.

Golden is the second c-level executive to leave the company since Don Thompson was named CEO last summer. Jan Fields, U.S. president, left in December 2012 after the chain experienced its first global sales decline in nine years. Jeff Stratton now holds that position.

Read more marketing news.