McDonald’s has recently fired its CEO Steve Easterbrook on Sunday after he was dating an employee.
The fast food multinational said the relationship was consensual, however, Mr Easterbrook was caught “violating company policy.”
In an email addressed to the staff, Mr Easterbrook acknowledged the relationship and said it was a mistake while adding, “Given the values of the company, I agree with the board that it is time for me to move on.”
Mr Easterbrook, 52-years old, divorced, joined McDonald’s in 1993 as a manager in London. He made his way up as Chief Executive in 2015. He left in 2011 to become boss of Pizza Express, then Wagama, an Asian food chain. He returned to McDonald’s in 2013, becoming its head in the UK and nothern Europe.
The British businessman is popularly known for improving the company’s menus and restaurants. He contributed to more than doubling the value of its shares in the US and helped expand the company’s delivery and mobile payment options to focus on convenience.
The company’s rules prohibit managers from becoming romantically involved with a subordinate. Details of Mr Easterbrook’s severance package will be released on Monday and closely eyed.
Mr Easterbrook will be replaced by Chris Kempczinski, currently the president of McDonald’s USA.
Mr Kempczinski thanked Mr Easterbrook for his contributions, saying he was a “patient and helpful mentor.”
The previous year Intel boss Brian Krzanich was ousted for having been romantically involved with an Intel employee, prohibited by company rules. He had been with the company since May 2013.
