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McDonald’s announces trio of executive changes

McDonald’s has revamped its executive team through a trio of recent appointments.

David Howse has stepped in as managing director, Jo Mitchell has been promoted to director of marketing and Brid Drohan-Stewart has joined the organisation as head of marketing.

Howse was first appointed to this position in June, following the departure of former managing director Patrick Wilson, who had been in the big seat since early 2012.  

Howse has had a long career at McDonald’s starting out as a crew member in 1984, progressively moving his way up the ranks. He was most recently senior director of operations across the ditch.

“While I am an Aussie, I’ve worked in the New Zealand business before and am happy to call New Zealand home again,” Howse says. 

Joining Howse at the executive table is Mitchell, who has enjoyed a long marketing career, spanning over 20 years at a number of brands, including  Charlie’s and Mondelez, before moving into the role as head of marketing at McDonald’s New Zealand in 2013.

In taking on the director of marketing role, Mitchell replaces Chris Brown, who is also understood to have departed McDonald’s.

Taking over the ‘head of marketing’ reins previously held by Mitchell is Drohan-Stewart, who spent many years at Coca-Cola, before more recently working within the Dentsu Aegis Network (she joined McDonald’s as a marketing manager six months ago).

StopPress has yet to receive confirmation in regard to whether Wilson or Brown have taken on new roles elsewhere.  

UPDATE: Brown left McDonald’s several months ago to go travelling, while Wilson left the company after four years as managing director (and 30 years in total) to spend time with family. Neither have taken on new roles at this stage.    

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