A sign stands outside of a McDonald's restaurant in San Francisco, California.
McDonald’s Corp. today announced Brian Rice as its next Global Chief Information Officer, effective August 31. He will join the company’s global senior leadership team, reporting to CEO Chris Kempczinski.
McDonald's Appoints Brian Rice as Executive Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer
Rice joins from healthcare products and services firm Cardinal Health, where was EVP, Chief Information Officer and Global Business Services. There, he oversaw a large SAP implementation, developed a new innovation capability, established an advanced analytics platform and launched an enterprise-wide learning initiative. Prior to joining Cardinal Health, Rice held senior leadership positions at Kellogg Company, General Motors and Mars.
“At each turn, Brian has successfully modernized technology systems, built new capabilities, and elevated the role of digital in building relationships with customers to drive growth,” Kempczinski said in a statement. “At the same time, he’s continuously developed and trained technology professionals, several of whom have gone on to become CIOs of global corporations.”
Rice succeeds Daniel Henry, who is departing after five years with the company.
McDonald’s continues to pursue its Accelerating the Arches growth strategy amid a backdrop of persistent high inflation and economic uncertainty. In addition to a greater focus on marketing and core products like burgers, chicken and coffee, the company is also doubling down on the “3Ds” — digital, delivery and Drive Thru. Digital sales, which include mobile app, kiosk and delivery, totaled more than $6 billion in the company’s top six markets in the quarter ended June 30.
McDonald’s in recent years has expanded its loyalty and delivery programs and has deployed a range of AI efforts to improve operational efficiency and create more personalized experiences for customers. Continued digital growth means more chances for McDonald’s to deliver more personalized offers such as real-time promotions or targeted menu price adjustments.
“A thing that I get excited about, particularly as we move more of the business to digital, is the ability for us to be much more targeted in how and where we deliver that value,” Kempczinski said during the company’s latest earnings call.
