McDonald’s announced Monday that Global Chief People Officer David Fairhurst has left the fast food giant following the departure of CEO Steve Easterbrook, who was fired over the weekend for having a consensual relationship with an employee.
“David was a good leader who helped us set the direction for People at one of the largest companies in the world,” said Derek Berube, McDonald’s director of global people insight, via email. “He will be missed, but we are in a good place to keep driving our people strategy at McDonald’s.”
David has been replaced by Mason Smoot, Senior Vice President for strategic alignment and chief of staff for the Office of the CEO, who will serve on an interim basis. Previously, Mason led strategy and measurement, talent management, and benefits and compensation as Vice President, Human Resources for McDonald’s USA.
A 25-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 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.
