McDonald’s reshuffles U.S. marketing leadership as CMO departs

McDonald's is restructuring its U.S. marketing leadership following the departure of Alyssa Buetikofer, who is leaving the company after 15 years to spend more time with her family.

Buetikofer, most recently U.S. chief marketing and customer experience officer, will remain through Dec. 18 to support the transition.

Global CMO Morgan Flatley will take on interim chief creative officer responsibilities for the U.S. business, while Charlie Newberger becomes interim SVP, U.S. chief marketing and commercial officer.

Newberger, a 17-year McDonald's veteran, will oversee marketing operations, commercial execution and owner/operator engagement. Danica Cunningham will serve as interim leader of global beverages and desserts.

In announcing the changes, McDonald's leadership emphasized the importance of creativity and execution in driving growth.

"In today's environment, creativity is the difference maker for brands, and Morgan's leadership puts us in a strong position to develop big ideas that build the brand and accelerate growth," the company said in an online statement about the transition.

The company said the new structure will establish "clear ownership and dedicated focus," enabling McDonald's to "move faster and execute with greater precision" as it prepares for its 2027 priorities. In its Q3 earnings call, the company expanded on its position moving forward as it prepares to head into the next year.