MUMBAI: Fast food major McDonald's has announced that Mary Dillon has been named executive VP and global chief marketing officer. She succeeds Larry Light, who will retire at the end of this year.
 

 
Dillon is currently President of Quaker Foods, a Chicago-based division of PepsiCo. She will assume her global responsibilities as McDonald's marketing leader from 3 October. She reports to McDonald's president and COO Mike Roberts.

McDonald's CEO Jim Skinner said, "Mary Dillon is an extremely talented executive who brings a remarkable combination of marketing and general management expertise to McDonald's. Mary will add energetic leadership and creative thinking to a global marketing team that continues to deepen relationships with our
customers. Mike and I are very confident that Mary has both the skills and the determination to lead our global marketing and brand management to an important new level."

 
 
Dillon said, "This is one of the best marketing jobs in the world, and I am excited and immensely proud to join this world class team that touches millions of consumers every day. I would like to begin this new role by thanking Larry Light and the entire marketing team for building a tradition of customer relevancy at McDonald's. I will work to continue this record of marketing leadership and build brand strength going forward."

Roberts said that throughout the remainder of 2005 Dillon and the retiring Light will work closely to ensure a smooth marketing leadership transition. Additionally, Light will maintain a consulting relationship with McDonald's after he retires, on terms to be determined.

Roberts said, "We want to make sure Mary has the full benefit of Larry's creativity and strategic thinking. Our global marketing programme is one of the critical drivers of our business. A seamless transition -- one that remains sharply focussed on our customers -- is essential to our continued momentum."

 
 
Dillon will be responsible for all aspects of global brand management, including strategy development, research, creative, marketing alliances, global sponsorships, and alignment with country-level marketing activities. She will also assume leadership of the McDonald's Balanced Lifestyles Initiative.
Roberts added, "Mary's diverse marketing background -- in food, beverage, fitness and family-uniquely qualifies her to lead our charge to be increasingly relevant in the lives of our customers. We are making good progress, but we can and will do much more going forward."