OAK BROOK, Ill. — Mike Roberts, McDonald's president and chief operating officer, has resigned.
The company's chief executive Jeff Skinner said Ralph Alvarez, president of McDonald's North America, will succeed Roberts as president and COO McDonald's Corporation, and that Don Thompson, executive vice president and chief operations officer, McDonald's USA, has been named president, McDonald's USA.
| Ralph Alvarez -- newly named president and chief operating officer of McDonald's Corporation. (PRNewsFoto/McDonald's Corporation) |
"We all owe Mike a tremendous debt of gratitude," said Skinner. "Because of his leadership, our system is stronger and more aligned than ever."
In announcing his resignation, Roberts said in a message to the McDonald's system: "It has been my absolute highest honor to serve this company, the board of directors, Jim and the entire management team for 29 incredible years.
"As I think back over the years, I'm fortunate to have been part of so many defining moments — most recently our renaissance, which began in the U.S. in 2002 and is now occurring all around the world. This renaissance is only possible because of the relationships we've nurtured and grown. I thank our owner/operators, who determine our ultimate success, for your trust and faith in me and for your presence in the restaurants. I thank our suppliers for your unending drive for quality and innovation along with your enduring commitment to all of us. And, I thank the thousands of employees I've met for a passion and dedication that is contagious."
Ralph Alvarez, 51, takes over as president and COO of McDonald's Corporation after 12 years with the system. Most recently, he has led the continued momentum of McDonald's U.S. business, which has produced 40 consecutive months of positive same-store sales.
In naming Alvarez to his new position, Skinner said, "I have tremendous confidence in Ralph's ability and look forward to working closely with him as we continue to evolve the business through our unwavering focus on our Plan to Win. Ralph has an exemplary track record in both our domestic and international businesses. He is a tremendous leader and team player."
Alvarez began his career with McDonald's in 1994 after a distinguished career in the quick service restaurant industry. Prior to his current position as president of McDonald's North America, where he is responsible for 15,000 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, Alvarez served as president of McDonald's USA. Prior to this, he was COO, McDonald's USA, and before that, president of the Central Division for McDonald's USA.
Alvarez also served as president of McDonald's Mexico, and as Regional Director for Chipotle Mexican Grill.
