OAK BROOK, Ill., Nov. 22 (UPI) -- Charlie Bell, president and chief executive officer of the Oak Brook, Ill.,-based McDonald's has resigned to devote his energy to his battle with cancer.
"Charlie Bell has informed us of his decision to step down immediately from his role at McDonald's and we fully understand," said Andrew McKenna, chairman of the McDonald's board of directors.
"As a result of Charlie's decision, our board met today to review succession plans and I am pleased to announce Jim Skinner, currently vice chairman, has been elected chief executive officer."
Effective immediately, the board elected Mike Roberts, currently CEO of McDonald's USA, to the position of president and chief operating officer. Roberts will report to Skinner, McKenna said.
Skinner, a 33-year veteran of McDonald's, will continue the strategic focus established by Jim Cantalupo and Charlie Bell, according to McKenna.
"Mike Roberts has led a remarkable resurgence as CEO of McDonald's USA, with the United States on its way to a second consecutive year of double-digit operating income growth energizing the entire McDonald's system," McKenna said.
