McDonald’s chief executive officer, Steve Easterbrook has been pushed out of the company after violating company policy by engaging in a consensual relationship with a female employee.
The fast food giant accused its CEO of demonstrating “poor judgement” by engaging in a romantic relationship with a female employee against the company’s code of practice and policies.
McDonald’s forbids managers from having romantic relationships with direct or indirect subordinates.
In an email sent to employees today, Easterbrook acknowledged he had a relationship with an employee and said it was a mistake.
“I engaged in a recent consensual relationship with an employee, which violated McDonald’s policy. This was a mistake,” the later reads.
“Given the values of the company, I agree with the board that it is time for me to move on. Beyond this, I hope you can respect my desire to maintain my privacy.”
McDonald’s board of directors voted on Easterbrook’s departure Friday after conducting a thorough review.
Details of Easterbrook’s separation package will be released today in a federal filing, according to a company spokesman.
He will also be leaving the company’s board. Easterbrook was CEO since 2015.
McDonald’s would not provide details about the employee with whom Easterbrook was involved, and an attorney for Easterbrook declined to answer questions.
