DEPARTURE

McDonald’s CEO Steps Down After Relationship With Employee

“Given the values of the company, I agree with the board that it is time for me to move on,” CEO Steve Easterbrook said in the email.

Steve Easterbrook, McDonald’s chief executive officer since 2015, has left the company after engaging in a consensual relationship with an employee, the corporation said in a statement Sunday. McDonald’s board of directors voted on his ousting on Friday after conducting a review of the relationship. Company policy forbids romantic relationships between managers and subordinates. “Given the values of the company, I agree with the board that it is time for me to move on,” Easterbrook said in the email. Under Easterbrook, the company has undergone a rapid modernization of its restaurants, including digital menu boards, and using artificial intelligence to improve the drive-thru experience. Chris Kempczinski, who recently served as president of the company’s USA division, and described Easterbrook as a mentor, was named by the board of directors as McDonald’s new president and CEO, effective immediately.