McDonald's Corporation promoted Morgan Flatley to Executive Vice President, Global Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), and New Business Ventures, marking a significant milestone in the company's leadership. In her expanded role, Flatley will continue to oversee McDonald's award-winning marketing initiatives while also leading new business ventures to broaden the brand's reach.
Flatley’s career in global branding began at Saatchi and Saatchi, a prominent advertising agency, followed by a substantial tenure at PepsiCo. There, she held several key positions, including Chief Marketing Officer for PepsiCo’s Global Nutrition portfolio, where she managed brand positioning and innovation for notable brands such as Quaker, Tropicana, and Gatorade. In 2017, Flatley joined McDonald’s as US Chief Marketing and Digital Customer Experience Officer, eventually ascending to the global CMO position in 2021.
Under her leadership, McDonald’s has seen significant marketing success, particularly with campaigns like the “Famous Orders” collaborations featuring celebrities such as Travis Scott and BTS. These initiatives have fostered deeper connections between McDonald’s and its customers, driving substantial growth and cultural relevance.
Flatley’s promotion comes as McDonald’s reinstates the global CMO role, which was briefly eliminated in 2019. Her innovative approach and commitment to leveraging digital, data, and consumer insights have been pivotal in revitalizing the company's marketing strategies. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and values-driven leadership, encouraging her teams to explore new ways to engage with customers and transform the business.
Chris Kempczinski, McDonald’s President and CEO, praised Flatley’s creativity and passion for consumer insights, highlighting her ability to craft unique and culturally relevant narratives for the brand. Flatley’s collaborative leadership style, grounded in trust and transparency, has been instrumental in making critical decisions and driving the company’s marketing efforts forward.
Her commitment to community engagement and social responsibility is evident through campaigns that have provided free meals to frontline responders, healthcare workers, and educators. Her belief in the power of brands like McDonald’s to make a positive difference aligns with her strategy to connect with communities worldwide.
As Flatley embarks on this new chapter, she remains focused on furthering McDonald’s brand engagement and expanding its global presence. Her leadership continues to demonstrate that innovative marketing and deep consumer connections are vital to the company’s ongoing success.