Big sack and fries
McDonald’s chief fired for fling
THE chief executive of McDonald’s has been sacked after having an inappropriate relationship with an employee.
Watford-born Steve Easterbrook, who was paid £12million a year to run the world’s biggest fast food company, sent an email to staff acknowledging his misjudgment.
Easterbrook, 52, wrote: “This was a mistake. Given the values of the company, I agree with the board that it is time for me to move on.”
His spokeswoman said he was “deeply grateful” for his time at the fast food company and “acknowledges his error in judgment”.
McDonald’s saw £3.1billion wiped from its value after the move.
Easterbrook, a Watford FC fan, was credited with turning its fortunes around after profits fell.
On taking over as CEO in 2015, he simplified menus, improved ingredient quality and introduced healthier products.
The cricket fan had joined the company as a branch manager in 1993 and worked his way up to become its UK chief
13 years later. He was then promoted to president of its northern European business, in charge of almost 2,000 restaurants.
He had a two-year spell as boss of Pizza Express and then Wagamama in the UK but returned to McDonald’s as Chief Brand Officer in 2013.
The company’s Chicago-based board met on Friday and voted to fire him after an investigation.
He is eligible for six months’ pay as part of his termination agreement.
His former brother-in-law, Mark Baxter, said Easterbrook and his wife Susie divorced around the time he moved to America.
The couple’s three daughters remained with estate agent Susie at the £1.4million family home in Gerrards Cross, Bucks.
Mr Baxter said: “It looks like Steve has been a naughty boy. We have not seen him for a while.” Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary weighed in on the sacking, saying yesterday: “Companies should have policies that affect corporate company behaviour.
“But trying to impose policies on what consenting adults do between themselves is a step too far.”
Given the values of the company, I agree it’s time for me to move on
STEVE EASTERBROOK IN AN EMAIL TO MCDONALD’S STAFF