Mason Smoot

As strategic alignment lead and Chief of Staff for the Office of the CEO, Mason works closely with McDonald's most senior leaders to drive the brand's most significant strategies across 36,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries. He also recently expanded his responsibilities as he built out our first global Transformation Office. Under his leadership, this relatively new function at McDonald's has been designed to create visibility and transparency into the most critical initiatives for McDonald's future growth.

Previously, Mason led strategy and measurement, talent management, and benefits and compensation as Vice President, Human Resources for McDonald's USA.

A 23-year McDonald's veteran, Mason led McDonald's New York Metro Region for six years as General Manager. He was responsible for leading more than 620 restaurants, owned and operated by more than 140 franchisees in one of the world's most dynamic global markets.

Mason's many years of experience in various roles have given him a strong first-hand perspective of the McDonald's business and the market's influence on customers' perception of the McDonald's brand. Mason began his career with McDonald's in 1994. His experience has spanned disciplines including human resources, franchising, operations and field service. In 2001, he was promoted to Vice President for the Pittsburgh Region, where he was responsible for the operations of more than 400 restaurants from Rochester, NY to Southern West Virginia. In 2006, Mason became the Vice President, Operations of the New York Metro Region, where he was subsequently promoted in 2007 to General Manager.

Mason has received numerous accolades for his ability to drive the business and his commitment the brand and our people. These include internal recognition such as the President's Award and East Division People Award, as well as external recognition, namely the Greater Red Bank NAACP Corporate Leadership Award.

Prior to joining McDonald's, Mason served as a Military Intelligence Officer with the U.S. Army. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Western Kentucky University.

A proud family man, Mason and his wife, Toni, reside in Lake Forest, IL.