McD's New Chief Was Cantalupo's Confidante (print)

By all accounts, Charlie Bell, 43, was the person Jim Cantalupo intended to succeed him as chief executive of McDonald's.

Regrettably, Mr. Bell finds himself thrust into the role of leading the company sooner than expected following Mr. Cantalupo's sudden death from an apparent heart attack yesterday.

Mr. Bell's promotion represents another milestone in a career with McDonald's stretching back to when he first began working in the restaurant chain at the age of 15 in his native Australia. He went on to become the youngest manager of a McDonald's in Australia at 19 and worked his way up to president and chief operating officer of the global company 16 months ago.

While Mr. Cantalupo's sudden death shocked franchisees and the financial community, Mr. Bell's selection to take over the top spot is being viewed positively.

Irwin Kruger, owner of seven Mc-Donald's franchises in New York City told the Chicago Sun-Times, "I think everybody feels extremely confident that Charlie's going to be in a position to carry on."

"I think he was the best option in a horrible situation. He was seen as the successor, but not on this timetable," said Matt DiFrisco, an analyst at Harris Nesbitt Gerard in New York told the Sun-Times.

Moderator's Comment: How will Jim Cantalupo be remembered at McDonald's? What must Charlie Bell do to lead the company and continue the momentum that was being built under Mr. Cantalupo?

Comments

From everything I've heard and read, Jim Cantalupo did a terrific job of turning McDonald's around during his short tenure. Reality is the company was doing ok before, but public and analyst perception was that McD's was in big trouble. New items, especially the premium salads with Newmann's Own dressing, and a new corporate energy level have taken the company a notch higher. I'm sure Charlie Bell will make sure the momentum continues, and it speaks well of McDonald's that they have a deep enough bench to promote from within. The fact that they felt the need to do it so quickly does not speak well of pressure from Wall Street. And, the inevitable tasteless dotted line connection that's already being drawn between fast food and Cantalupo's death is just that - tasteless.
Al McClain, CEO, Founder, RetailWire - Braintrust Panelist

Maybe I am too simple minded, but McDonald's needs to hire good people at stores. People who are courteous and energetic. Employees that will also be attentive to making sure stores are cleaned - particularly the restrooms. They should also continue to ratchet up the menu with fresh foods, crisp vegetables for the burgers and improved bread for sandwiches.

They should also be sensitive to returning the "fast" to fast food. There is nothing worse than waiting in long lines at McD's. The food ain't that good that one should have to wait too long.

My condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Cantalupo.
'needtosellmore'

Outside of the McDonald's environment, Jim Cantalupo will be remembered as the strong leader who reawakened and revitalized a giant organization that had started to snooze. I would hope the people inside the company will respect him likewise.

Successor Charlie Bell has been given a solid platform upon which to perform, and he has a great opportunity to move McDonald's forward in the fast food business, which it should not forsake. McDonald's became great because it did fast food better than its competition. While menu elasticity is very appropriate today, the focus must stay on producing GOOD fast food fast, and building a cheerful, capable and respectful group of clean instore servers, i.e., make the visit to McDonald's a happy trip with a "happy" good tasting meal.
Gene Hoffman, President, Corporate Strategies International - Braintrust Panelist

I didn't know him, but I would like to think that Jim Catalupo would be remembered as a man of integrity who was loved and respected by family, friends, employees and associates. After all, in the larger scheme of things and at day's end, that's what it's all about isn't it?

I know this is all about business, but I'm troubled that the man isn't even buried yet and all people can say about him is related to McDonald's strategy and stock price.
'Janpor'