Oak Brook, Ill.-based fastfood behemoth McDonald’s Corporation has named Larry Light as executive VP and global chief marketing officer (CMO).

In this role, Light assumes responsibility for McDonald’s global marketing strategy and overall brand development efforts. Most recently, he was founding president and CEO of Arcature, a consulting firm focused on brand building.

Light will report to Jack Greenberg, McDonald’s chairman and CEO, and serve on his Enterprise Strategy Team. Light will also serve as a member of the company’s Restaurant Operating Committee, headed by Jim Skinner, president and COO.

“In Light, we have selected one of the world’s best thought leaders in brand strategy to direct our global marketing efforts,” insisted Greenberg. “Larry has a passion for the power and the relevance of ‘brand’ in today’s world.”

Light added: “Life is all about opportunity and challenge. As a high water mark in my career in brand management, this is an exciting and singular chance to focus my energies on the implementation side of marketing strategy.”

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Prior to founding Arcature, Light was chairman and CEO of the international division of Bates Advertising. Before joining Bates, he was executive VP, marketing and media services at BBDO Worldwide, where he began his career in 1965.

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