Current CEO of McDonalds’s, Essay Example

Jim Skinner, current CEO of McDonalds’s, has been working for the company since 1971 stating at the trainee position.

The factors that proved him a successful leader are three top priorities for his leadership: “long-term sustainable growth for the company; talent management and leadership development; and promoting balanced active lifestyles” (McDonalds’s corporate website).

In 2004, Skinner increased company’s sales from $50.1 billion in 2004 to $70.1 billion in 2008 by changing the focus of strategy. Instead of expanding and building new restaurants he suggested improving location and service of the existing ones. Another tactic he employed was being locally relevant through adapting McDonald’s menu to peculiarities of different cultures. Third industry-specific initiative proving him a successful leader was striving to achieve “faster, friendlier service; tastier food; a more appealing ambiance; better value; and sharper marketing.” (Wikipedia)

In his leadership style he promotes collaboration, customer focus, and importance of being a good corporate citizen – these are the main ideas and priorities he will leave behind.

Works Cited

Jim Skinner. Chief Executive Officer. http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/mcd/our_company/bios/jim_skinner.html

Jim Skinner. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Skinner

Amy Trang. “A golden opportunity. McDonald’s CEO Jim Skinner shares the keys to global brand-building at Chicago Centennial event.” http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/news_articles/2009/chicagocentennial.aspx

McCEO: Jim Skinner, the man at the pinnacle of the Golden Arches, has developed a leadership and performance recipe that’s simple. http://www.entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/article/203605076.html

Goleman, D. (1998) What makes a leader? Harvard Business Review, 76(6), 93-102.