McDonald's Operations Chief Resigns

McDonald's Corp. has announced the unexpected resignation of its president and COO, Mike Roberts. He was widely seen as the likeliest candidate to succeed Jim Skinner in the top post of hamburger chain. The company did not cite any reason for the resignation. All it mentioned was that it was Robert’s own decision to resign.

After a 29 year stint with the company, Robert said that he was honored to have served McDonald's and thanked its owner-operators, suppliers and employees. He said, “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”.

Robert started his career with the company as a regional purchasing manager in 1977 and moved up the ladder through a variety of positions in the United States, including president of McDonald's West division and president of McDonald's USA.

Jim Skinner, CEO, was all praise for the 55 year old veteran Robert. Skinner complimented him by saying, “We all owe Mike a tremendous debt of gratitude….Because of his leadership, our system is stronger and more aligned than ever."

The resignation has resulted in major reshuffling at McDonalds. Ralph Alvarez , president of McDonald's North America unit will succeed Roberts. Don Thompson, has been named as the president of McDonald's USA.