McDonald's Corp. (Oak Brook, Ill.) announced that Charlie Bell has resigned as ceo to focus on his battle with cancer. Bell, who has colorectal cancer, has been succeeded by James Skinner, the fast-food restaurant chain's vice chairman.
“In Jim Skinner, McDonald's has an outstanding leader who will continue the strategic focus established by Jim Cantalupo and Charlie Bell,” said Andrew McKenna, chairman of the company's board. “In the course of his 33-year career at McDonald's, Skinner has led every restaurant geography of the company.”
Bell, 44, was named ceo in April, after the death of Cantalupo, who suffered a heart attack at a McDonald's convention.
In addition to naming Skinner ceo, the company's board elected Mike Roberts president and coo. Roberts was previously ceo of McDonald's USA.
McDonald's has more than 30,000 restaurants in 119 countries.