×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

McDonald’s names new president to improve the image of its food

McDonald's on Friday named a new president for its flagship U.S. division, marking the second change in the high-profile spot in less than two years.

The world's biggest hamburger chain says former McDonald's executive Mike Andres will replace Jeff Stratton, who is retiring effective Oct. 15.

Stratton, 58, took over in late 2012 and replaced Jan Fields. That shakeup was made after McDonald's Corp. reported its first monthly sales drop in nearly a decade. Sales in the U.S. have remained weak ever since, with the company facing intensifying competition and changing eating habits.

McDonald's, based in Oak Brook, Illinois, has blamed its performance on a variety of factors, including its own missteps. For instance, the company has said it introduced too many items too quickly, which complicated kitchen operations.

McDonald's CEO Don Thompson has said the chain is working on fixing basics, such as the speed of service and order accuracy. The company is also pushing to improve the image of its food, in part by introducing items positioned as more premium offerings, such as its new Bacon Clubhouse burger.

Andres, 56, will report directly to Thompson. He was most recently CEO of Logan's Roadhouse Inc., but has a long history with McDonald's. The company said Andres started his McDonald's career as manager for his family-owned McDonald's in Northern California, then went on to a variety of roles in marketing, operations and development. He served as CEO of Boston Market from 2001 to 2007, when the chicken chain was still a subsidiary of McDonald's.

McDonald's has more than 35,000 locations around the world, including more than 14,000 in the U.S.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.