McDonald’s Corporation has appointed Skye Anderson as President of McDonald’s USA, entrusting the 26-year company veteran with responsibility for the fast-food giant’s largest market as it accelerates its new McDonald’s > NEXT growth strategy across nearly 14,000 U.S. restaurants. The appointment became effective on August 4.
Anderson succeeds Joe Erlinger, who is leaving the company after more than two decades with McDonald’s, including almost seven years as President of McDonald’s USA. Erlinger will remain with the business in an advisory capacity until early 2027 to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
The promotion follows what McDonald’s described as a deliberate succession plan. Earlier this year, Anderson returned to McDonald’s USA as Chief Operating Officer, a move designed to prepare her for leadership of the company’s largest and most strategically important market.
As President, Anderson will oversee nearly 14,000 U.S. restaurants, the vast majority of which are operated by independent franchisees. Her priorities include improving restaurant execution, strengthening the customer value proposition and advancing the McDonald’s > NEXT strategy, which focuses on enhancing restaurant experiences, menu innovation, operational efficiency and technology-led growth.
“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 Chief Executive Officer of McDonald’s Corporation. He added, “As we bring McDonald’s > NEXT to life, the U.S. business has a critical role to play in translating our ambition into action for customers, crew and Owner/Operators. I have tremendous confidence that she is the ideal leader for this next phase of our U.S. business.”
Anderson’s career has spanned finance leadership in Australia, field and zone leadership across the United States, the establishment of McDonald’s Global Business Services, and most recently leadership of U.S. operations as Chief Operating Officer.
During her four-year tenure leading the U.S. West Zone, she helped modernise more than 5,700 restaurants, drove comparable sales growth of more than 30 percent and increased average restaurant unit cash flow by approximately $100,000, according to the company.
Commenting on her appointment, Anderson said, “McDonald’s has always been at its best when we harness the strength of our unique System to serve customers and communities. I am honoured 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.”
The leadership change comes as McDonald’s works to reinvigorate U.S. sales following a softer-than-expected second quarter. The company reported U.S. comparable sales growth of 0.8%, with executives acknowledging that operational complexity, slower service times and marketing execution weighed on customer traffic. Anderson is expected to play a central role in improving operational performance while strengthening franchisee profitability and customer experience.
Kempczinski also acknowledged Erlinger’s contribution to the business, saying he had helped strengthen McDonald’s digital capabilities, franchise system and operational foundation while leading the U.S. business through significant industry challenges.
McDonald’s remains the world’s largest quick-service restaurant company, operating more than 45,000 restaurants across over 100 countries and territories. Approximately 95% of its restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent franchisees, underscoring the strategic importance of Anderson’s role in working closely with Owner/Operators to execute the company’s long-term growth agenda.
