Restaurants: The Cornerstone of America

Keynote Address

Jim Skinner
Sunday, May 18 at 2:00 p.m.
Grand Ballroom, S100
Doors will open at 1:30 p.m.

Hear Jim Skinner, Chief Executive Officer of McDonald's Corporation, talk about the power of leadership and collaboration for a common purpose in his presentation, “None of Us is as Good as All of Us.” His passion for training, development and the McDonald’s brand, combined with his ability to unite and grow organizations, will inspire all foodservice industry professionals.

Mr. Skinner, recipient of many industry honors including MarketWatch’s 2007 CEO of the Year, has been described as “a guy who’s done everything in the company and who understands everything from the crew person’s point of view all the way through the organization.” That broad perspective has been widely viewed as the basis for his successful leadership resulting in McDonald’s impressive growth.

Like nearly half of McDonald’s global leadership, Jim’s first job was working in his neighborhood McDonald’s restaurant in Davenport, Iowa while in high school. After 10 years in the Navy, Jim returned to McDonald’s as a restaurant manager trainee and never looked back. He quickly ascended through the U.S. company before joining McDonald’s International management team. He then went on to run the European operations, before serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of the McDonald’s Restaurant Group with operating accountability for 30,000 restaurants in 118 countries. Jim next was appointed Vice Chairman, a job he held for two years before being elected McDonald’s eighth CEO in 2004.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear insights from an empowering leader that has “ketchup in his veins” and delivers growth in tough times. His dynamic presentation will be followed by a question and answer session. All registered Show attendees, exhibitors and media are welcome to attend.

• National Restaurant Association News Release: McDonald's Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Skinner to Keynote 2008 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show