McDonald’s Appoints Manu Steijaert as Global Chief Customer Officer

Manu Steijaert, as Global Chief Customer Officer, McDonald’s

Manu Steijaert, McDonald’s Executive Vice President and Global Chief Customer Officer. Photo: McDonald’s Corp. 

McDonald’s Corporation has appointed Manu Steijaert, a McDonald’s veteran, as its first Global Chief Customer Officer. He will be leading a new Customer Experience team.

The Customer Experience team aims to transform how customers interact with McDonald’s. The team combines the best of McDonald’s Data Analytics and Digital Customer Engagement with Global Marketing, Global Restaurant Development and Restaurant Solutions. It will allow McDonald’s to provide a unique customer experience at every touchpoint, digital and physical.

Chris Kempczinski, President and CEO said:

“The formation of the Customer Experience team strengthens McDonald’s ability to lead the industry in anticipating and delivering on customer needs at every part of the Brand journey, which increasingly extends beyond the walls of the physical restaurant through digital, delivery and Drive Thru. As customer needs continue to evolve, we will create a frictionless Brand experience across all our service channels using the insights generated from our increasingly important digital platforms. Manu’s deep understanding of the needs of our customers and his rich perspectives from multiple markets will be invaluable in leading this new team.”

Steijaert has more than 20 years experience in McDonald’s System. He brings extensive knowledge about McDonald’s global customer base to this role. Most recently, he was Vice President, International Operated Markets, where he led a customer-led, growth-focused approach to support the country leadership teams.

Manu Steijaert, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Customer Officer said:

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do at McDonald’s, and we have reached a pivotal moment when technology and data have begun to shape nearly every facet of the customer experience. I am thrilled to lead this new team as we work to create more and better ways to connect with our customers at every touchpoint, transforming the definition of customer interaction.”

Steijaert began his McDonald’s career as a field service consultant in 2001. He then held various operations positions before becoming Vice President Operations for France in 2012. There he managed restaurant innovation efforts. Steijaert assumed leadership of the Netherlands in 2015 and was promoted to VP, International Operated Markets, in 2019. His first experience with McDonald’s was as a crew member at his parent’s restaurants in 1987. 

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