Alistair Macrow, the chief executive of McDonald’s UK and Ireland, has announced he will be stepping down at the end of September to pursue new “UK-based” opportunities elsewhere.
Macrow, who also served as McDonald’s senior vice-president and global chief marketing officer prior to taking on the CEO role in 2021, has worked at the fast food brand for nearly 20 years.
He will hand over the UK and Ireland CEO role after a transitional period of one month to Lauren Schultz, who is currently field vice-president, Columbus for McDonald’s USA.
Manu Steijaert, president of international operated markets at McDonald’s, said: “Alistair has led one of our most important markets outside the US with deep integrity. He leaves the business with trading momentum, growth and a strong brand. As CEO, he guided the UK and Ireland through a period of inflation and economic uncertainty. A relentless focus on the customer and reliable value have been hallmarks of his leadership, growing revenues, customer visits and market share during his four-year tenure.”
A former Power 100 listee, Macrow started at McDonald’s as UK marketing director in 2007, taking on responsibility for revamping its UK marketing strategy.
His remit gradually expanded over the years first to include Northern Europe as well as the UK in 2010 before expanding internationally in 2020.
As CEO, he has overseen the opening of over 100 new restaurants in the UK and Ireland and increased customer satisfaction.
Macrow said: “It has been an honour to lead McDonald’s in the UK and Ireland. I’m proud we’ve emerged stronger from Covid and risen to the cost-of-living challenge for our millions of customers every day. This is a special company with great people operating across an unrivalled system. I want to thank everyone for their hard work, their expertise and their friendship.”
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