McDonald’s made more changes to its executive team on Wednesday, naming Melanie Steinbach chief people officer for the company’s U.S. market and tapping Shammara Howell to take her place as chief talent officer.
Melissa Kersey, who had been chief people officer for McDonald’s USA, has left the company. A source said that Kersey is leaving for another company.
The changes were announced to the company on Wednesday by Heidi Capozzi, who herself was named the company’s global chief people officer earlier this year.
They come just days after McDonald’s made numerous changes to the company’s marketing leadership.
McDonald’s has been making several executive changes in recent months under new CEO Chris Kempczinski, who himself took over late last year following the firing of Steve Easterbrook. Mason Smoot was named U.S. chief restaurant officer in April and Mark Ostermann was named Kempczinski’s chief of staff. Capozzi was named CPO in March.
In her announcement, Capozzi called Steinbach “an accomplished business executive who cares deeply about people.” Steinbach has worked as chief talent officer for the past three years and before that spent 15 years with global search firms.
“These experiences will be invaluable as Melanie joins the U.S. market with a focus on further supporting and developing our people,” Capozzi said.
Steinbach will work with Joe Erlinger, who was named president of McDonald’s USA when Kempczinski was promoted last year.
Howell, meanwhile, had been senior director of human resources for the Chicago-based burger giant. She has worked with McDonald’s since 2017 after years working with companies like PetSmart and Sam’s Club.
As chief talent officer, Howell will oversee talent attraction, organizational design and talent strategy. Capozzi said Howell’s experience “will be a strong asset for the people team as we advance our global talent objectives.”
The leadership changes are effective July 1.
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