New York (CNN Business) Steve Easterbrook is out as McDonald's CEO and president after the board determined that he violated company policy, the company said on Sunday.

Easterbrook, who became CEO in 2015, "demonstrated poor judgment involving a recent consensual relationship with an employee," McDonald's said in a statement. McDonald's confirmed on Monday that David Fairhurst, chief people officer for McDonald's, has also departed the company.

Steve Easterbrook is out as McDonald's CEO.

He has "separated" from the company and has been replaced in both roles by Chris Kempczinski, effective immediately. Kempczinski, who joined McDonald's in 2015 and was most recently president of McDonald's USA, said in a statement that he is "energized by this challenge" and looks forward "to guiding McDonald's continued success."

In an email sent to McDonald's employees, Easterbrook expressed regret over the relationship.

"As for my departure, I engaged in a recent consensual relationship with an employee, which violated McDonald's policy," Easterbrook 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. Beyond this, I hope you can respect my desire to maintain my privacy."

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