Donald Thompson, the former CEO of McDonald's, has an incredible story rooted in the fast-food giant itself. He joined McDonald's in 2005 and quickly climbed the ranks, becoming President and Chief Operating Officer by 2010. In 2012, he was promoted...

Donald Thompson, the former CEO of McDonald's, has an incredible story rooted in the fast-food giant itself. He joined McDonald's in 2005 and quickly climbed the ranks, becoming President and Chief Operating Officer by 2010. In 2012, he was promoted to CEO, stepping into a role that was pivotal for the brand's direction at a challenging time. His impact was notable; he received stock options worth $3 million upon his promotion and had a base salary of $1.1 million, underlining his crucial position in the company. Thompson remained with McDonald's until 2015, after which he took on a consulting role, helping the brand leverage his extensive experience and relationships. Currently, his holdings in McDonald's are valued at over $17 million, reflecting the value he built through his years of service. His compensation varied greatly during his tenure; for example, in 2013, he earned over $3 million largely due to performance-related bonuses. Thompson's journey emphasizes the importance of internal growth and leadership in a globally recognized brand.