CHICAGO, Nov 22 (AFP) - McDonald's chief executive Charlie Bell resigned Monday to focus on his battle with cancer, the company said in a statement.
"Charlie Bell has informed us of his decision to step down immediately from his role as president and chief executive officer of McDonald's to devote all of his time and energy to his courageous battle against cancer," chairman of the board of directors Andrew McKenna said in a statement.
"Charlie is a remarkable leader and well loved by the McDonald's family, and we fully understand and respect his decision."
The board met Monday and elected vice chairman Jim Skinner as the new CEO, while naming the head of McDonald's USA Mike Roberts to the position of president and chief operating officer, the statement said.
Roberts will report to Skinner, it said, and both men were also named to the board of directors.
Bell, a 44-year-old Australian, underwent surgery for the cancer in the spring of this year, less than a month after being nominated to the top job at the fast-food giant following the sudden death of his predecessor, Jim Cantalupo.
Cantalupo, a trim 60-year-old, died April 19, apparently of a heart attack in Orlando, Florida, where he was attending a conference of worldwide McDonald's franchisees.
11/23/2004 02:02 GMT - AFP