William Whitman Jr. Promoted to Vice President of Communications, McDonald's(R) USA

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    OAK BROOK, Ill., Sept. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- McDonald's USA
 recently announced the promotion of William (Bill) Whitman, Jr. to Vice
 President, U.S. Communications. Whitman replaces Richard Ellis, who
 re-joined McDonald's Restaurants of Canada, Limited. In his new role,
 Whitman will report directly to Don Thompson, President, McDonald's USA.
 
     "A tireless McDonald's brand ambassador and company spokesperson,
 Bill's unique dedication to our brand has made a true and positive impact
 on our business," Thompson said. "Over the past two years, our U.S.
 Communications team has played a greater role in accelerating our U.S.
 Business results and Bill's appointment further ensures solid leadership in
 this critical area of our business."
 
     As Vice President of Communications, Whitman serves as the Chief
 Communications Officer for the U.S. Company. He will oversee Management
 Communications, Internal and External Communications, Media Relations,
 Public Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement and continue to serve as the
 chief spokesman for the U.S. Company.
 
     As a member of McDonald's U.S. Executive Leadership Team, Whitman will
 work closely with McDonald's U.S. and Senior leadership, franchisees,
 suppliers and other key stakeholders to define communications strategies
 and tactics that drive McDonald's U.S. Plan to Win and expand strategic
 partnerships and alliances across all facets of the McDonald's system.
 
     "Bill started his McDonald's career 10 years ago as a Supervisor of
 Media Relations with McDonald's Corporate Communications Department," said
 Steve Russell, Chief People Officer, McDonald's USA. "Since then, he has
 progressed through a number of increasingly senior communications and
 public affairs positions. As one of the largest employers in the quick
 service restaurant industry, McDonald's is continuing its commitment to
 providing opportunities and career enhancement at all levels within the
 organization -- Bill exemplifies this commitment."
 
     Most recently, Whitman was Senior Director, Media Relations and Public
 Affairs, McDonald's USA.
 
     In this role, he served as the chief spokesman for McDonald's USA. He
 was responsible for developing and directing Media Relations, Public
 Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement strategies and tactics to drive
 McDonald's U.S. Business results. He was also responsible for managing
 crises and issues as well as media and crisis communications training for
 the company.
 
     Prior to joining McDonald's, Whitman held communications and public
 affairs positions at Exxon USA and Fleishman-Hillard.
 
     With more than 20 years experience in communications, Whitman has
 received recognition throughout his career from local, national and
 international organizations, including McDonald's Corporation, Exxon
 Corporation, Fleishman- Hillard International Communications, the National
 Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the United Way and others.
 
     Whitman is a graduate of Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor
 of Science Degree in Fine Arts and Communications.
 
     About McDonald's
 
     McDonald's USA, LLC is the leading foodservice provider in the United
 States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients
 to millions of customers every day. More than 80 percent of McDonald's
 13,700 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local
 franchisees. McDonald's is an equal Opportunity Employer committed to a
 diverse workforce. For more information about opportunity at McDonald's
 visit http://www.mcdonalds.com/careers.
 
 
 

SOURCE McDonald's USA