McDonald's oust chief executive Steve Easterbrook after romantic relationship with employee

In an email to workers, Mr Easterbrook acknowledged he had a relationship with an employee and said it was a mistake.placeholder image
In an email to workers, Mr Easterbrook acknowledged he had a relationship with an employee and said it was a mistake.

McDonald's chief executive officer has left the company after violating policy by engaging in a consensual relationship with an employee, the corporation has said.

The fast food giant said former president and CEO Steve Easterbrook demonstrated poor judgment. McDonald's forbids managers from having romantic relationships with direct or indirect employees.

In an email to workers, Mr Easterbrook acknowledged he had a relationship with an employee and said it was a mistake.

"Given the values of the company, I agree with the board that it is time for me to move on," Mr Easterbrook said in the email.

In an email to workers, Mr Easterbrook acknowledged he had a relationship with an employee and said it was a mistake.placeholder image
In an email to workers, Mr Easterbrook acknowledged he had a relationship with an employee and said it was a mistake.

McDonald's board of directors voted on Mr Easterbrook's departure on Friday after conducting a thorough review.

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Details of Mr Easterbrook's separation package will be released on Monday in a federal filing, according to a company spokesperson.

The board of directors named Chris Kempczinski, who recently served as president of McDonald's USA, as its new president and CEO.

Mr Kempczinski was instrumental in the development of McDonald's strategic plan and oversaw the most comprehensive transformation of the US business in McDonald's history, said

Enrique Hernandez, chairman of McDonald's board, in a statement.

"Steve brought me into McDonald's and he was a patient and helpful mentor," Mr Kempczinski said, thanking him for his contributions.

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