McDonald's: How Will New Execs Help Drive Global Impact?

McDonald’s has appointed two new executives to its Global Impact Team, a group focused on sustainability, social responsibility and governance. 

The team, established in late 2020, drives strategy and accountability across climate, resources, people and community impact. Its tasks include setting and driving climate goals, working with suppliers to ensure responsible sourcing, developing DEI strategies, and publishing the brand's purpose and impact reporting.

Kathy Baird will assume the role of Chief Impact Officer for McDonald’s USA and Senior Vice President, while Anne Hammer has been named as Vice President and Global Chief Communications Officer. Both will be tasked with raising the bar when it comes to the food brand's wider impact. 

Jon Banner, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Impact Officer at the company, says: “As I reflect on the past year, it’s clear the Global Impact team has led with purpose, passion and progress - strengthening community ties, enhancing food system resilience, advocating on behalf of our system, and reinforcing what McDonald’s stand for.

He adds that “These achievements show the power of collaboration. In today's fast-changing world, our ability to unite the system to elevate and protect the Arches is more vital than ever. That’s why I’m thrilled to welcome two new leaders to Global Impact, who will help us raise the bar for how we show up during moments that matter." 

Jon says the two new leaders will help to build on these achievements, with their respective roles including a focus on key areas such as government relations, sustainability and supporting markets.

Leading McDonald's impact strategy

Following a career in communications across Fortune 500 companies, Kathy will lead the multi-billion dollar food giant’s impact strategy. This includes “overseeing teams responsible for enhancing and protecting the McDonald’s brand across state and local government relations, brand and business communications and sustainability," says Jon.

In the role of Chief Impact Officer, effective 30 September, Kathy will work across the US Senior Leadership Team and the Global Impact Leadership Team.

Discussing the new role on LinkedIn, Kathy said: “Throughout my career, I’ve learned that stories shape culture, and culture drives positive change. 

“Now, I’m bringing that conviction to a brand that operates at the heart of business and community.”

Kathy will move from her existing role as Chief Communications Officer role at The Washington Post, where she has previously led initiatives advancing community engagement.

Prior to this, she led Global Purpose Communications at Nike, elevating diverse voices and launching innovative employee storytelling platforms, including news.nike.com.

Elevating and protecting the brand

As VP, Global Chief Communications Officer, Anne will lead McDonald’s communication strategy. Jon says: "Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing our Communications Centre of Excellence, supporting our markets and ensuring McDonald’s continues to amplify its position on the world stage.”

She will join the company on 14 October from insurance firm Manulife, where she served as Global Chief Communications Officer for eight years, supporting strategic transformation and cultural change.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to contribute as part of the impact team with Jon Banner, elevating and protecting the brand and driving growth for the business through compelling storytelling," Anne shared on LinkedIn.

How McDonald’s delivers purpose and impact 

McDonald's is driven by a responsibility to make a positive impact on the world - a mission that the Global Impact team is central to. 

The company uses its influence, size and global reach to lead action in communities worldwide it operates in. Alongside responsibly sourcing ingredients and delivering effective community action, the brand also takes its impact on the planet seriously, recognising that a healthy planet is critical to its ability to feed and foster future generations. 

Accordingly, the brand prioritises climate action, particularly in the most carbon-intensive areas of its operations. McDonald's aims to achieve net-zero emissions across its global operations and value chain by 2050; the company has set an earlier target of 2040 for the UK and Ireland for its entire business including its supply chain. 

To achieve this, it is taking actions including investment in renewable energy, reducing its restaurant-related emissions and scaling more sustainable practices in its supply chain.

The company's latest Purpose and Impact Progress Report states: “Whether we are helping deliver more sustainable food systems or building an inclusive workplace, we believe there has never been a more important moment to work together to advance collective positive impact.”

Introducing the report Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski says: “We’re committed to ensuring that our growth is sustainable, aligned to our values and creating positive impact in the places that matter most. When we act with intention, we don’t just serve our communities; we strengthen them.

“That’s how we’ll continue to feed and foster the world around us today, tomorrow and for generations to come.”

Empowering people, everywhere

Kathy and Anne join the business with the task of contributing to its purpose and impact.

Jon says: “Kathy’s approach to leadership is rooted in advocacy, strategic storytelling, cultural fluency, and a deep commitment to empowerment - qualities that make the right leader."

He adds: “Anne’s pragmatic leadership style combined with a passion for developing high-performing teams will be a powerful asset."