McDonald's CEO ousted after having 'consensual' relationship with an employee

Dalvin Brown | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption McDonald's CEO fired for 'consensual' relationship with employee McDonald's CEO Steve Easterbrook was fired for having a "consensual" relationship with an employee, violating company policy.

McDonald's fired its CEO after he violated company policy by having a "consensual" relationship with an unnamed employee, the fast-food chain announced on Sunday.

Steve Easterbrook was at the helm of the fast-food behemoth since 2015. He will be succeeded by Chris Kempczinski, 51, who previously served as the company's former head of U.S. business.

In a news release, McDonald's said Easterbrook was ousted "following the Board's determination that he violated company policy and demonstrated poor judgment involving a recent consensual relationship with an employee."

The company didn't provide further details about the relationship.

Easterbrook also stepped down from the board of directors. He sent out an email to employees on Sunday, writing: "This was a mistake. Given the values of the company, I agree with the board that it is time for me to move on.”

McDonald's said the leadership transition is unrelated to the burger chains' operational and financial performance.

Kempczinski, the new CEO, who starts immediately, "has the right mix of skills and experience" to lead the company after overseeing business development and innovation, according to Enrique Hernandez Jr., the chairman of McDonald's board of directors.

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