EUROPE/USA: Russ Smyth appointed president of McDonald’s Europe

US fastfood giant McDonald's has appointed Russ Smyth as president of the European unit of the company. Smyth, 46, has extensive McDonald's management experience in Asia, Latin America and Europe. Leading the management team in Europe, Smyth will succeed Charlie Bell, who was recently named by chairman and chief executive officer Jim Cantalupo as president and chief operating officer for McDonald's. Smyth will report directly to Bell.

January 8, 2003

US fastfood giant McDonald’s has appointed Russ Smyth as president of the European unit of the company.

Smyth, 46, has extensive McDonald’s management experience in Asia, Latin America and Europe.

Leading the management team in Europe, Smyth will succeed Charlie Bell, who was recently named by chairman and chief executive officer Jim Cantalupo as president and chief operating officer for McDonald’s. Smyth will report directly to Bell.

Most recently, Smyth was president, McDonald’s Partner Brands. Prior to directing the Partner Brands team, Smyth served as senior vice president, International Relationship Partner for Southeast and Central Asia. Previously, he managed McDonald’s business as vice president of the Latin America Group. Smyth joined McDonald’s in 1984 and also worked 13 years in a variety of financial and accounting positions, including European controller, where he was responsible for overseeing accounting and finance functions. From there, he was promoted to international controller, overseeing all finance functions outside the US.