Core Insights - James D. Farley, Jr. has been elected to McDonald's Board of Directors effective February 4, 2026, bringing over 30 years of experience in leading global organizations and transforming consumer brands [1][1][1] Company Overview - McDonald's is the world's leading global foodservice retailer with over 45,000 locations in more than 100 countries, with approximately 95% of its restaurants owned and operated by independent local business owners [1][1][1] Board Composition - Farley's election increases the Board to a total of 12 members, each contributing diverse experience and expertise to strengthen McDonald's long-term strategic direction [1][1][1] - Half of McDonald's directors have joined since 2022, highlighting the Board's commitment to refreshment and future-ready governance [1][1][1] Leadership and Strategy - Farley currently serves as President and CEO of Ford Motor Company, where he is guiding the Ford+ transformation focused on digital innovation, customer-centric design, and operational modernization [1][1][1] - Chris Kempczinski, Chairman and CEO of McDonald's, emphasized Farley's experience in balancing innovation with operational excellence and modernizing customer experience [1][1][1]