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McDonald's USA names new president

November 15, 2012

Jan Fields, president of McDonald's USA, announced she is leaving the company after more than 35 years. Her last day is Dec. 1.

She will be succeeded by Jeff Stratton, current global chief restaurant officer of the Golden Arches.

Fields, 57, drove major business initiatives in McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants such as expanding the Mc Café beverage menu, restaurant modernization, and recruiting 60,000 new McDonald's workers on "National Hiring Day."

Under her leadership, McDonald's USA made nutritional advancements, such as revamping the Happy Meal last year to include apple slices and smaller, kid-size French Fries; and in September, by voluntarily posting nutrition information on menu boards.

"We appreciate and salute Jan for more than three decades of inspired leadership and impactful service under the Arches," said Don Thompson, McDonald's president and CEO. "All of us who know Jan will miss her genuine nature and quick-witted humor. We wish Jan the very best."

Fields began her career at McDonald's as a crew member.

"When I started on fries as a crew member, I had no idea where that job would lead," she said. "McDonald's has shaped me as much as I'd like to believe I had a role in shaping it."

The McDonald's board of directors named Stratton to succeed Fields. Stratton, 57, oversees the function of nearly 34,000 McDonald's restaurants globally, focusing in areas such as innovation, concept and design, operations, training, performance and security. Stratton will report to Tim Fenton, McDonald's chief operating officer.

"Jeff's roots in restaurant operations, his strong leadership and his innovative actions driving our Plan to Win framework make him the right choice to lead the U.S. business," Fenton said. "Don and I are confident in Jeff's deep experience and his dedication to finding solutions that are right for our customers and shareholders."

Stratton's career at McDonald's spans more than 40 years, beginning with his start as a crew member in Detroit. He held numerous U.S. field operations positions before becoming West Division president in 2001. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to chief restaurant officer for McDonald's USA, a role he held until joining the global team in 2005.

"I'm honored to assume this leadership role and will remain focused on growing our business and elevating our Brand," Stratton said. "The great people of this company and our loyal customers fuel my strong passion for McDonald's."

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