Stephen J. Easterbrook served as the CEO of McDonald's from March 2015 until November 2019. He focused on making the company more efficient and modern by introducing the Velocity Growth Plan, aimed at revitalizing the brand and increasing efficiency. Before...

Stephen J. Easterbrook served as the CEO of McDonald's from March 2015 until November 2019. He focused on making the company more efficient and modern by introducing the Velocity Growth Plan, aimed at revitalizing the brand and increasing efficiency. Before McDonald's, he successfully led other restaurant chains like Wagamama and PizzaExpress. His approach at McDonald’s included restructuring the business and creating a more customer-focused culture. Under his leadership, McDonald's achieved impressive financial growth, including an increase in guest counts for the first time in years. In 2019, Easterbrook's total compensation was notable, exceeding $17 million, with a significant portion tied to stock performance. Despite his successful tenure, he departed from McDonald's amid corporate restructuring. His career highlights the complex dynamics at the top of big companies and the challenges of maintaining leadership in a competitive market.