McDonald’s takes hit on chief’s ouster, National Sandwich Day marketing messages, and Blizzard’s apology to fans

Also: Influencer marketing’s effectiveness by generation, Arby’s pop-up sandwich store, Airbnb responds after tragic house party deaths, and more.

Ragan Insider Premium Content
Ragan Insider Content

Good morning, PR pros:

McDonald’s ousted its former chief executive, Steve Easterbrook, for having a relationship with an employee. The fast-food chain named Chris Kempszinski as its new president and chief executive.

In its press release, McDonald’s wrote only one sentence about Easterbrook’s departure:

Kempczinski succeeds Steve Easterbrook, who has separated from the Company following the Board’s determination that he violated company policy and demonstrated poor judgment involving a recent consensual relationship with an employee.

Easterbrook elaborated, CNBC reported:

“This was a mistake,” Easterbrook wrote in an email to employees. “Given the values of the company, I agree with the board that it is time for me to move on.”

What do you think of the way McDonald’s handled its executive shakeup? Share with us your thoughts under the #MorningScoop hashtag.

Here are today’s top stories:

To read the full story, log in.
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today

Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.