McDonald’s Corp. has tapped former White House senior advisor Katie Beirne Fallon to lead the chain's Global Impact Team, a newly formed group that brings together key corporate branches such as government relations, communications, sustainability and philanthropy.
The former Hilton executive assumes the new company role of executive vice president and chief global impact officer, the company announced Thursday, Oct. 1.
At a time of great global complexity, CEO Chris Kempczinski said companies like McDonald’s are expected to play a leading role in making an impact on the world. By forming the Global Impact Team, McDonald’s is welcoming that challenge.
“Through this new structure, we will be able to build on the strong foundations these teams have built and drive further collaboration to have an even greater impact,” he said in a statement.
Fallon, left, called the McDonald’s brand “iconic and far-reaching.”
“The brand is a beacon in every one of the thousands of communities that it touches,” Fallon said in a statement. “I have long admired the company’s willingness to use its global scale to drive positive change through sustainability efforts, community service initiatives and corporate philanthropy.”
As the head of global corporate affairs for Hilton, Fallon took on similar responsibilities. She was in charge of Hilton’s communications, government relations and corporate responsibility efforts.
Fallon previously worked as senior advisor and director of legislative affairs for President Barack Obama; she also served as deputy communications director at the White House.
In a letter sent to McDonald’s employees Thursday morning, Kempczinski said Fallon and the new Global Impact Team represent the next chapter for the chain, which announced a set of refreshed values earlier this year.
“We’ve spent the last year clearly defining the mission, purpose and values that will lead us to our next chapter of success,” he wrote in a letter obtained by Nation’s Restaurant News. “With that strong foundation in place, sharpening our focus on driving our impact in the world will be critical to us fulfilling our purpose and moving from a company that is universally respected to one that is truly admired.”
Kempczinski said Fallon will report directly to him. As President Obama’s chief liaison to Congress, Fallon played a lead role in negotiating major bipartisan legislation.
“Katie’s experience in both the public and private sectors – including with a franchised business like ours – will provide critical insights as we build on our foundations and take our progress to new heights,” he told employees.
At Hilton, Fallon led the team that created the “The Hilton Effect,” which promoted the impact the iconic hotel company has had on the world.
Fallon, a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, serves as a director on the Annaly Capital Management Board. She is chair of its Corporate Responsibility Committee. She is also a director on the International Youth Foundation Board and The Center for Employment Opportunities Board.
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