CHICAGO, Jan 16 (AFP) - Former McDonald's Corp. chief Charlie Bell died Sunday of colorectal cancer in his hometown of Sydney two months after stepping down from his post due to his battle with the disease, the fast-food company said. He was 44.
"This is a tragic loss. Charlie Bell gave his all to McDonald's. Even during his hospitalization and chemotherapy, Charlie led this company with pride and determination," said chairman of the board of directors Andrew McKenna.
"Now he leaves a remarkable legacy -- a legacy that the McDonald's system will benefit from for years to come," McKenna said.
Bell stepped down in November and then vice chairman Jim Skinner replaced him as chief executive officer. McDonald's US chief Mike Roberts was named to the position of president and chief operating officer.
Bell, who began his career at age 15 as a part-time crew member at the Kingsford restaurant in Sydney, took over as McDonald's president and chief executive officer in April.
Bell, who was diagnosed with cancer in May, had succeeded Jim Cantalupo, 60, who died in April apparently of a heart attack in Orlando, Florida, where he was attending a conference of worldwide McDonald's franchisees.
"Charlie was an incredible leader," Skinner said. "He was also my good friend. More than anything, Charlie was a role model for each of us -- and we are better off, as individuals and as a system, because of him."
01/17/2005 03:17 GMT - AFP