McDonald's: Don Thompson will replace Jim Skinner

A leader change will occur at the world's largest fast food chain.  Jim Skinner, leader of the chain retires in July – announced McDonald's.

Chief Executive Jim Skinner will retire on June 30 after 41 years with the company, and that furthermore President and Chief Operating Officer Don Thompson will replace him from July.

Skinner, 67, began to work at McDonald’s as a management trainee in 1971 and that moreover, he started with the top job in November 2004, becoming the third CEO in seven months. McDonald’s stock has more than tripled under Skinner’s leadership.

The successor of the 67 year-old businessman will be 48 year-old Don Thompson, who was responsible for the daily affairs until now. He will be the first African American head of McDonald's. Thompson, was named as president and operating chief in January 2010 and will take his new role on July 1. For past four years, he was named as the president of the company’s U.S. operations. (Bloomberg – Világgazdaság Online)