McDonald's Names Interim Marketing Leaders
Alyssa Buetikofer is leaving her role as US Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer as McDonald's searches for a successor.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Advertising
McDonald's has named interim marketing leaders after Alyssa Buetikofer, its US Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, announced her departure. Buetikofer will remain with the company through Dec. 18.
Why it matters
The interim appointments keep the company's US marketing operations in place while it conducts a search for a new US Chief Marketing Officer. The leadership shifts are intended to help McDonald's move faster and set up its 2027 priorities with greater precision.
Buetikofer's departure ends a 15-year tenure at McDonald's, while interim US leader Charlie Newberger brings more than 17 years of company experience. The company has not disclosed a timeline for naming a permanent US Chief Marketing Officer.
The players
McDonald's
McDonald's is a global fast-food restaurant chain headquartered in Chicago that is one of the largest brands in the world.
Alyssa Buetikofer
Alyssa Buetikofer is a marketing executive who spent 15 years at McDonald's, most recently as its US Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer.
Morgan Flatley
Morgan Flatley is a McDonald's marketing executive who previously led US chief marketing and digital customer experience and now serves as Global Chief Marketing Officer.
Charlie Newberger
Charlie Newberger is a veteran McDonald's executive with more than 17 years at the company who now serves as interim US chief marketing and commercial officer.
The details
McDonald's announced the changes in a joint message to the system. Morgan Flatley will serve as interim chief creative officer for the US business while continuing as Global Chief Marketing Officer and head of New Business Ventures, and Danica Cunningham will serve as interim category leader for Global Beverages & Desserts.
Timeline
Dec. 18: Buetikofer's final day with McDonald's.
2017-2021: Flatley served as US Chief Marketing & Digital Customer Experience Officer.
2027: The priorities the leadership changes are set up to address.
Market Landscape
The reshuffle comes as McDonald's prepares its 2027 priorities, positioning the company to refine its US marketing approach ahead of a permanent hire. Returning a previously held US leader to an interim role keeps continuity during a period of executive transition.
For customers, the leadership changes are not expected to alter menu offerings or pricing in the near term, as day-to-day marketing campaigns continue under interim leaders. Shoppers may see continuity in advertising while the company settles its permanent US marketing structure.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions at major consumer brands often signal a push to speed decision-making, and McDonald's stated goal of moving faster on its 2027 priorities reflects that pattern. Readers tracking the chain's marketing direction should watch for the permanent US CMO appointment.
What happens next
McDonald's is conducting a search for a new US Chief Marketing Officer, but no date for naming a successor has been announced.
Further reading
For more on how major brands manage marketing leadership changes, explore our Advertising coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Meat+Poultry.
