Fastfood company McDonalds has announced that Denis Hennequin, executive vice president, McDonald’s Europe, will become president of McDonald’s Europe effective 1 July 2005.

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Hennequin will succeed Russ Smyth, currently president, McDonald’s Europe, who has decided to leave McDonald’s after 21 years with the company.


“Russ is a great leader and a great person,” Mike Roberts, McDonald’s president and COO. “I regret that he’s moving on, but I know he is doing what’s right for him, his family and the direction he wants to take his career, so I respect and support his personal decision.”


“Denis Hennequin is a talented executive who forged a brilliant track record in France during his eight years as managing director there,” Roberts said. “His innovative ideas and strategic thinking have already contributed to the traction we are beginning to see in Europe throughout the past year and a half he has served as executive vice president, McDonald’s Europe. We remain extremely confident in our people and in the strategies in place in Europe.”


Roberts also announced that Glen Steeves, will become chief operating officer, McDonald’s Europe, reporting to Hennequin. Glen is senior vice president, McDonald’s Europe, with responsibility for McDonald’s restaurants in Northern Europe.

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“Glen is another strong McDonald’s executive who began his career working in our restaurants. He is a seasoned veteran with deep restaurant operations expertise and an enormous passion for our customers and our brand in Europe. Together, he and Denis will continue to build on the momentum of the plan to win in Europe,” said Roberts.

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