OAK BROOK, IL - 31 August, 2005 -

McDonald's Corporation today announced that Mary Dillon has been named Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer for the company, succeeding Larry Light, who will retire at the end of this year. Dillon, 44, is currently President of Quaker Foods, a Chicago-based division of PepsiCo Corporation. She will assume her global responsibilities as McDonald's marketing leader effective October 3rd, reporting to Mike Roberts, McDonald's President and Chief Operating Officer. In making the announcement, Jim Skinner, McDonald's Chief Executive Officer, said, "Mary Dillon is an extremely talented executive who brings a remarkable combination of marketing and general management expertise to McDonald's. Mary will add energetic leadership and creative thinking to a global marketing team that continues to deepen relationships with our customers. Mike and I are very confident that Mary has both the skills and the determination to lead our global marketing and brand management to an important new level." In accepting the post, Dillon said, "This is one of the best marketing jobs in the world, and I am excited and immensely proud to join this world-class team that touches millions of consumers every day. I would like to begin this new role by thanking Larry Light and the entire marketing team for building a tradition of customer relevancy at McDonald's. I will work to continue this record of marketing leadership and build brand strength going forward." Roberts said that throughout the remainder of 2005 Dillon and the retiring Light will work closely to ensure a smooth marketing leadership transition. Additionally, Light will maintain a consulting relationship with McDonald's after he retires, on terms to be determined. "We want to make sure Mary has the full benefit of Larry's creativity and strategic thinking," Roberts said. "Our global marketing program is one of the critical drivers of our business. A seamless transition -- one that remains sharply focused on our customers -- is essential to our continued momentum." As Global Chief Marketing Officer, Dillon will be responsible for all aspects of global brand management, including strategy development, research, creative, marketing alliances, global sponsorships, and alignment with country-level marketing activities. She will also assume leadership of the McDonald's Balanced Lifestyles Initiative. "Mary's diverse marketing background -- in food, beverage, fitness and family -- uniquely qualifies her to lead our charge to be increasingly relevant in the lives of our customers," Roberts said. "We're making good progress, but we can and will do much more going forward." A graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, Dillon was appointed Division President of Quaker Foods in 2004. Prior to that, she served in a variety of key marketing and brand management positions for the company. These included Vice President of Marketing, Quaker Foods, (2002-2004); Vice President of Marketing, Gatorade and Propel Fitness Waters (2000-2002); Senior Vice President of Marketing, Gardenburger, Inc. (1996-2000); and Director of Product Offerings, Snapple Natural Beverages (1995-1996). Dillon, a fitness and running enthusiast, is married and the mother of four children. She and her family reside in Evanston. McDonald's is the leading foodservice retailer with more than 30,000 local restaurants serving local customers in more than 100 countries. Approximately 70% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent businessmen and women.

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