- Ford CEO Jim Farley has joined the board of fast-food giant McDonald’s.
- Farley brings global strategy experience plus a love of speed and competition.
- Burger chain gains outspoken exec who’s used to making difficult decisions.
Jim Farley already runs one of America’s biggest car companies, races at over 200 mph (320 kmh) for fun, and now apparently wants to supersize his in-tray. The Ford chief has officially joined the board of McDonald’s, proving that workloads are a lot like drive-thru orders. You can always add more.
The appointment became effective February 4, giving the Golden Arches access to one of the auto industry’s most energetic leaders and bringing their number of directors to 13.
Related: Farley Says Ford Couldn’t Compete With Toyota And Hyundai, So It Stopped Trying
McDonald’s says Farley’s experience modernizing global brands and steering complex organizations will help guide its next phase of growth. We’re guessing they hadn’t seen Ford’s latest financials when they inked the deal.
Farley has led Ford since 2020 and has spent three decades running big operations across multiple continents. His résumé includes overseeing Ford regions around the world, reshaping Lincoln, and pushing the company’s digital-heavy Ford Plus strategy. Before Ford, he logged close to two decades at Toyota and Lexus, helping build brand strength.
Dark Horse Burger On The Way
“McDonald’s is one of the most admired and recognized brands in the world,” said Farley. “I’ve long respected how the company balances scale with local entrepreneurship and tradition with innovation. I’m honored to join their world-class values-based Board and look forward to contributing to McDonald’s next era of growth.”
McDonald’s says half its directors have joined since 2022, part of a broader refresh aimed at future-ready leadership. Farley’s appointment also comes as he prepares to step away from another board role at Harley-Davidson, Auto News reports. The motorcycle brand announced this week that Farley wouldn’t be standing for re-election.
Outside the boardroom, he’s not the kind of guy who potters about the garden growing geraniums, making him a good fit for a business where speed is a core value.
Farley is a genuine racing addict who competes in events like the Mustang Challenge and has run at famous circuits including Le Mans and Daytona. So he’s possibly going to be the only McDonald’s board member who understands both quarter-pounders and quarter-mile times.
