Tim Fenton, who started his McDonald’s career as a crew member in Utica, is set to become the company’s next chief operating officer.
McDonald’s Corp. (NYSE: MCD), headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., announced that Fenton, a 39-year veteran with the company and currently president of Asia, Pacific, Middle East, and Africa operations, will assume his new role July 1. As chief operating officer, Fenton will be responsible for the company’s more than 33,500 restaurants worldwide.
He first began working for McDonald’s in Utica in 1973.
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“Tim is one of our most seasoned global leaders and has done a remarkable job growing our international business,” McDonald’s CEO Jim Skinner said in a news release. “He has extensive experience, knowledge, and passion for our brand and has been an integral part of McDonald’s global success.”
Fenton was elected to the role today upon the recommendation of Skinner and CEO-Elect Don Thompson. Thompson, the current chief operating officer, will become CEO and president effective July 1 following Skinner’s retirement. Fenton will continue to report to Thompson.
“I’m honored to serve McDonald’s in this new capacity and look forward to working closely with our leadership teams around the world to continue to elevate our brand and make our system even stronger,” Fenton said.
As president of McDonald’s Asia, Pacific, Middle East, and Africa operations, Fenton oversees more than 8,800 restaurants in 37 countries. He previously served as president of the East Division for McDonald’s USA, where he was responsible for 5,200 restaurants in 21 states.
McDonald’s (www.aboutmcdonalds.com) has locations in 119 countries. Franchisees own more than 80 percent of those locations.
Contact DeLore at tgregory@tmvbj.com


