McDonalds 2001 Annual Report Download - page 7

McDonald’s brand is strong, and
our business is resilient.
We have taken action to improve
our customers’ experience and
drive long-term success.
5
Globally, we plan to add
between 1,300 and 1,400
McDonald’s restaurants
in 2002. These plans
reflect our intent to be
cautious with invest-
ments in markets that
are experiencing eco-
nomic difficulties and
to increase openings in
those markets with
attractive near-term
opportunities.
Collectively, the actions
we have taken are
designed to create a
stronger, more nimble
McDonald’s—a global
organization that is leaner
and better aligned, a
management group
that is more focused
and more accountable,
and a worldwide corps
of owner/operators, joint-
venture partners, devel-
opmental licensees,
employees and suppliers
that is committed to the
ideals that have won the trust of so many
the world over.
McDonald’s global management team, which
I believe is one of the most talented in the
world, shares my sense of urgency to deliver
improved results. Further, that sense of
urgency permeates the entire organization of
owner/operators, suppliers and employees.
Our shareholders should expect nothing less.
We are a System with a long heritage of
success. Certainly, we are not pleased with
recent performance. At the end of the day,
there can be no excuses...legitimate or
otherwise.
The many changes and initiatives we have
undertaken, combined with our powerful
brand and lead position in most markets in
which we do business, put us in an excellent
position to improve results.
And that’s what we intend to do.
In closing, I want to thank you for your
continued confidence in McDonald’s. We
deeply appreciate your trust. I am confident
that the McDonald’s System can, and will,
return the business to the kind of growth you
expect and deserve.
Sincerely,
Jack M. Greenberg
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Shareholder
March 12, 2002
A TRIBUTE TO A
McDONALD’S VISIONARY
Jim Cantalupo, who most
recently served as McDonald’s
Vice Chairman and President,
has announced plans to retire
after 28 remarkable years of
service.
Jim joined the Company
as Controller in 1974. Over the
years, he held numerous opera-
tions management positions
in the U.S. business before
assuming responsibility for
McDonald’s international
operations in 1987. At that
time, the System had nearly
2,350 restaurants in 46 coun-
tries outside the U.S. Thanks
to Jim’s vision and leadership,
today the Company has an
international presence
approaching 16,000 restaurants
in 120 countries. He truly has
been a driving force and chief
builder of the greatest global
retail business ever developed.
Jim’s achievements are
legendary, and literally each
of the 1.5 million members of
the McDonald’s Family owes
him a debt of gratitude for his
outstanding contributions.