McDonalds 2004 Annual Report Download - page 25

THE COURAGEOUS GRACE
OF CHARLIE BELL
Charlie Bell was named McDonald’s President and
CEO on April 19, 2004, under extremely difficult cir-
cumstances. He stepped in for Jim Cantalupo, who
had died suddenly just hours before at McDonald’s
Worldwide Owner/Operator Convention. Charlie’s
calm confidence as he addressed the 12,000 con-
vention attendees on his first day as CEO stabilized
the stunned and shaken McDonald’s System and
assured the outside world that McDonald’s manage-
ment team was strong and deep.
Tragically, less than a month after taking the helm,
Charlie was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. He
stepped down as CEO in November and passed
away on January 17, 2005, at the age of 44.
Charlie’s career is a testament to the opportunities at
McDonald’s. He literally went from crewroom to boardroom. He joined McDonald’s at 15 as a crew mem-
ber in his native Australia and quickly rose through the ranks. He held numerous positions in our Australian
company, including that of Managing Director and CEO. Under his leadership, McDonald’s earned recogni-
tion as one of Australia’s premier employers and pioneered many innovations that have been adopted
around the world, including the McCafé concept.
Charlie’s responsibilities continued to expand, and soon he became a member of our global management
team and a director on the Company’s Board. Yet, despite many achievements, he didn’t take himself too
seriously and was quick to say that his job behind the front counter was the most important work he had
ever done. In fact, as Charlie visited restaurants around the world, he had a natural ability to make our
crew and managers feel appreciated and proud to represent the Golden Arches.
Charlie’s contributions to McDonald’s success were significant. During the past two years, he, Jim
Cantalupo and Jim Skinner, our current CEO, worked hand in hand developing and executing McDonald’s
Plan to Win to revitalize the business. Charlie was particularly instrumental in focusing on operational
improvements within the System’s 30,000-plus restaurants and in inspiring McDonald’s first global market-
ing campaign—“i’m lovin’ it.” He distinguished himself with his unflappable dedication to the details of the
business, his enthusiasm and humor, and his blunt appraisals when improvement was needed.
Charlie gave his all to McDonald’s. He leaves a remarkable legacy—a legacy from which the McDonald’s
System will benefit for years to come. It began with his intense and highly successful focus on the cus-
tomer experience. And it ended with his courageous effort to live every day to the fullest.
23 MCD 2004