McDonald’s looks to Skye as president of U.S. operations

McDonald’s Corporation announced that has a new president for U.S. operations.

The fast food and beverage giant has appointed company veteran Skye Anderson to the position of president, McDonald’s USA, effective today.

In her new role, Anderson will oversee nearly 14,000 U.S. McDonald’s locations, which is also the company’s largest market. Anderson’s new role includes advancing the new McDonald’s > NEXT strategy, focused on system growth and productivity.

The new president has been with McDonald’s for more than 26 years. She succeeds Joe Erlinger, who is leaving the company after more than 20 years of service, including 7 years leading U.S. business. McDonald’s said this appointment is part of a leadership transition plan initiated after Anderson’s return to McDonald’s USA as chief operating officer.

“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 CEO of 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.”

Anderson’s previous experience includes serving in finance leadership in Australia, field and zone leadership across the United States, and the creation of the company’s Global Business Services.

“McDonald’s has always been at its best when we harness the strength of our unique System to serve customers and communities,” said Anderson. “I am honored to lead the U.S. business and build on the strong foundation already in place. Together with our Owner/Operators, suppliers and employees, we’ll remain focused on serving great food, delivering exceptional experiences, earning the right to be our customers’ first choice and bringing McDonald’s > NEXT to life across our restaurants every day.”

While serving as head of the U.S. West Zone during a four-year period, Andeson drove initiatives that modernized a base of more than 5,700 restaurants, increased comp sales by more than 30%, and increased average restaurant unit cash flow by $100,000, McDonald’s said.

The company noted that Erlinger will work closely with Anderson to ensure a seamless leadership transition and serve as an advisor until early 2027.

“Joe has made a tremendous impact on McDonald’s throughout his more than 20-year career,” said Kempczinski. “As President of McDonald’s USA, he helped guide the business through a period of significant change while strengthening our digital capabilities, franchise system and operational foundation. Joe leaves an indelible mark on our culture and business, and we are grateful for his leadership and contributions.”

The CEO also acknowledged that Anderson will play a critical role in advancing McDonald’s goals. “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.”