MCD McDonalds Corp

By Julie Jargon 

David Hoffmann, a 22-year McDonald's Corp. veteran, has been appointed president of Dunkin' Donuts U.S. and Canada after resigning abruptly from the burger giant last week.

Mr. Hoffmann, who oversaw McDonald's high-growth markets division, is the latest high-ranking executive to depart the fast-food chain in recent months. Mr. Hoffmann ran McDonald's Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa business until he was appointed in July 2015 to head the high-growth markets division that includes China, Russia and South Korea. His expanded role in the company was part of a corporate reshuffling that Chief Executive Steve Easterbrook sought to drive growth at the struggling chain.

McDonald's on Wednesday disclosed in a regulatory filing that Mr. Hoffmann, 48 years old, had resigned Friday and that he hadn't signed a noncompete agreement, thus forfeiting certain benefits such as unvested cash and equity incentive awards.

McDonald's Chief Administrative Officer Pete Bensen announced his retirement last month, followed by McDonald's U.S. President Mike Andres, who will remain at the company until the end of the year.

The executive departures come at a time when McDonald's is trying to fashion itself into a "modern, progressive burger company." The chain has struggled in recent years to win back millennials and other customers who have flocked to other restaurants promising fresher, healthier food.

The company had made some progress recently with its all-day breakfast offerings, but its sales growth slowed significantly in its key U.S. market in the second quarter. In the U.S., same-store sales rose 1.8%, far below the 3.2% growth expected by analysts.

Mr. Hoffmann will begin his new job at Dunkin on Oct. 3 and will report to Dunkin' Brands Group Inc. Chief Executive Nigel Travis. He will be responsible for Dunkin' Donuts operations and marketing in the U.S. and Canada, as well as global franchising and store development for both Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins.

Like many McDonald's veterans, Mr. Hoffmann began his career there as a crew member while in high school. He rejoined the company after earning an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago.

"Dave is a proven leader with a wealth of quick service restaurant and franchising experience, and a solid track record of delivering growth in a wide range of economic and competitive environments," Mr. Travis said in a statement.

At McDonald's, Mr. Hoffmann will be succeeded by Joseph Erlinger, who currently serves as chief financial officer of the high-growth markets division.

Write to Julie Jargon at julie.jargon@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 22, 2016 00:20 ET (04:20 GMT)

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