McDonald’s UK&I appoints new chief marketing officer

McDonald’s UK and Ireland has announced the appointment of Ben Fox as SVP, chief marketing officer. 

Fox replaces Michelle Graham Clare, who has taken on a global role as chief marketing officer and corporate vice president for the international operated markets segment (IOM).

Fox has worked in the UK&I market for eight years before moving into an international role in 2020, where he took on a number of global leadership positions over a five-year period. 

Most recently, as senior director of Marketing and Strategy for EMEA International Development Licenses, Fox played a key role in shaping brand and business strategy across 36 markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

As UK&I CMO, Fox oversees all food strategy and marketing campaigns, and leads the marketing team alongside multiple agency partners.

Since re-joining the UK business at the beginning of the year, he has been instrumental in leading campaigns, including the ‘A Minecraft Movie’ collaboration, which saw the two “cultural icons” team up in the UK and Ireland to launch a brand-new limited-edition menu.

In his spare time, Fox coaches his local junior football team.

Fox said: “I’m thrilled to be returning to the UK and Ireland market and heading up an incredibly talented team, and it’s great being able to live and breathe the work they are executing every day. I’m passionate about creating a culture built of collective success and delivering exceptional work for the business – and it’s an important time for us to do just that. 

“We want to carry on creating exciting food our customers want to talk about, experiences that create the next generation of McDonald’s memories, and exciting campaigns that connect with all of our customers in the way that only we can.”

Alistair Macrow, CEO of McDonald’s UK and Ireland, added: “It’s fantastic to have Ben back and part of the UKand I leadership team. Ben has always been a passionate brand advocate and has a brilliant understanding of how to connect with our customers, and the unique role we can play in their lives. 

“Since taking on responsibility for the Marketing team at the beginning of the year he has already demonstrated his strong business acumen and bold leadership to build a marketing and food strategy responding to what our customers need right now – and I know it will generate excitement and create those special moments in our customers’ day.”