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James D. Farley, Jr. Elected to McDonald's Board of Directors

In a strategic move, McDonald's Corporation has announced the election of James D. Farley, Jr. to its Board of Directors, effective February 4, 2026. The addition of Farley, who is currently the President and CEO of Ford Motor Company, indicates a continued commitment to innovation and operational excellence at the fast-food giant.

A Proven Leader in the Industry

Farley has an impressive career spanning over three decades, where he has successfully led significant transformations in renowned global companies. While at Ford, he played a pivotal role in the company's Ford+ transformation, a strategy focused on digital innovation, customer-centric design, and operational modernization. His leadership experiences include overseeing various critical sectors such as Ford Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as the brand marketing and product leadership at Toyota and Lexus before joining Ford.

Chris Kempczinski, the Chairman and CEO of McDonald's Corporation, praised Farley for his ability to balance innovation with operational excellence. He stated, "Jim brings invaluable experience in modernizing customer experience while optimizing a business strategy. His guidance will be crucial as we continue to drive momentum across our business."

Farley's Commitment to McDonald's

Expressing his enthusiasm about joining the McDonald's Board, Farley said, "McDonald's is one of the most admired brands worldwide. I have always respected the company for balancing scale with local entrepreneurship and merging tradition with innovation. I am honored to contribute to McDonald's next era of growth."

The election increases the total number of Board members at McDonald's to 12, each with diverse experiences that support the company's strategic direction. Notably, since 2022, half of the Board members have been newly appointed, reflecting McDonald's commitment to ensuring effective governance and leadership.

About McDonald's Corporation

McDonald's is a leading global foodservice retailer, boasting over 45,000 locations across more than 100 countries. A remarkable 95% of these restaurants are run by independent local franchises, highlighting the brand's substantial global reach and influence.

As McDonald's continues to evolve, the insights and experiences that Farley brings to the table are expected to play a significant role in navigating the challenges and opportunities in the competitive fast-food landscape. His unique vantage point from working within two of the world's largest automotive and foodservice companies positions him well to help steer McDonald's through the upcoming years of transformation and growth.

With this strategic onboarding, McDonald's sets the stage for continued innovation, ensuring they remain a frontrunner in the dynamic global marketplace.