Who was the CEO of McDonald's from 2004 to 2012?

Jim Skinner was the CEO of McDonald’s from 2004 to 2012.

Skinner joined McDonald’s in 1971 as a restaurant manager trainee and rose through regional, international, and corporate leadership roles. He became chief executive after serving as president and chief operating officer, taking over during a period when the company was trying to improve performance without relying mainly on rapid expansion.

His signature strategy was McDonald’s “Plan to Win,” which emphasized better existing restaurants, faster service, improved food, value, and sharper marketing. The approach helped reverse earlier declines and contributed to substantial sales growth during his tenure.

A common mix-up is Don Thompson, who succeeded Skinner on June 30, 2012. Ray Kroc was McDonald’s most famous early leader and an architect of its franchise system, but he was not the CEO during this period. Skinner retired after 41 years with the company.