Skye Anderson Takes Charge as President of McDonald's USA

McDonald’s Corporation has appointed Skye Anderson as President of McDonald’s USA, effective immediately. Skye, who has more than 26 years of experience with the company, will lead the U.S. business as McDonald’s focuses on enhancing restaurant operations, improving customer value and supporting sustainable growth.

Skye will be responsible for nearly 14,000 McDonald’s restaurants across the United States, making her the leader of the company’s largest market. She will also oversee the execution of McDonald’s > NEXT, the company’s strategy aimed at strengthening customer preference while improving growth and productivity across its U.S. operations.

Skye succeeds Joe Erlinger, who has decided to leave the Company after more than two decades with McDonald's, including almost seven years leading the U.S. business.

Key Highlights:

• Skye Anderson has been appointed President of McDonald’s USA, overseeing nearly 14,000 restaurants
• She brings more than 26 years of experience across finance, operations and leadership roles
• She will lead McDonald’s > NEXT to drive customer value, growth and productivity

Skye’s appointment follows a deliberate leadership transition plan initiated earlier this year with her return to McDonald’s USA as Chief Operating Officer, with the goal of helping ensure continuity and to prepare her to lead the Company’s largest market.

Skye’s appointment follows a deliberate leadership transition plan initiated earlier this year with her return to McDonald’s USA as Chief Operating Officer, with the goal of helping ensure continuity and to prepare her to lead the Company’s largest market.

“Skye combines deep operational discipline with strong financial judgment and has earned the trust of Owner/Operators, suppliers and employees,” said Chris Kempczinski, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, McDonald's Corporation. “I've had the opportunity to work closely with Skye throughout much of her career, and I've repeatedly turned to her to lead some of our most important businesses and transformation efforts because she’s a proven change agent who can act with urgency to mobilize our System.”

"As we bring McDonald's > NEXT to life, the U.S. business has a critical role to play in translating our ambition into action for customers, crew and Owner/Operators," added Chris. “Having led the U.S. business myself, I understand the opportunities and challenges ahead. Skye knows that great strategies only matter if they create better outcomes in restaurants. I look forward to working closely with her and the U.S. leadership team to help accelerate performance and unlock the significant opportunity in front of us, and I have tremendous confidence that she is the ideal leader for this next phase of our U.S. business.”

Skye brings extensive experience across finance, operations and market leadership to her new role. She began her McDonald’s career in finance in 2000 and spent 17 years in the function, eventually becoming CFO of McDonald’s Australia. She joined McDonald’s USA in 2017 and later served as Field Vice President and West Zone President, leading strategy, operations, talent and brand development across the Western U.S.

Before returning to the U.S. business as COO in 2026, Skye served as President of McDonald’s Global Business Services from 2023, where she helped build the function and expand its operations globally. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Accounting and is a Chartered Accountant. Skye has also been involved in advancing women’s leadership within the foodservice industry through her work with the Women’s Foodservice Forum.