Jeff Stratton (left), McDonald’s USA president, will retire in October; Mike Andres has been named his successor.


OAK BROOK, ILL. — The board of directors of McDonald’s Corp. has elected former McDonald’s executive Mike Andres as president of McDonald’s USA, effective Oct. 15. He will succeed Jeff Stratton, who decided to retire after 41 years with the company.

Mr. Andres began his McDonald’s career in the restaurant, as manager for his family-owned McDonald’s in Northern California. He went on to build a 30-year track record in diverse leadership roles at the company. He started in marketing and worked across operations and development before becoming regional vice-president and senior vice-president. From 2001 to 2007, he was president and chief executive officer of Boston Market while it was a McDonald’s subsidiary. From 2010 to 2012, he was president of the Central Division in the U.S. Most recently he was chairman and chief executive officer of Logan’s Roadhouse, Inc.

“Mike is the ideal leader to take McDonald’s USA into the future,” said Don Thompson, president and c.e.o. of McDonald’s Corp. “He is a progressive, strategic thinker with a deep understanding of consumers and the marketplace and a track record of translating those insights into successful results. Mike brings a wealth of knowledge of McDonald’s and has built strong relationships across the system, as well as broader experience in the informal eating out industry. He’s a dynamic, proven leader, and I am confident he will help lead our U.S. business to the next level.”

Mr. Andres said he is “thrilled” to be back at McDonald’s.

“It’s an honor to return to the industry leader as part of a talented team,” he said. “Together, we’ll focus on our customers as we capitalize on the opportunities in the U.S. market.”

It will make the second significant change within McDonald’s USA management this year. Earlier, Deborah Wahl, a 25-year marketing industry veteran, joined the company as senior vice-president and chief marketing officer.