Jack M. Greenberg

Jack M. Greenberg (born 1942) is an American businessman and attorney. He is best known for his tenure as the Chairman and CEO of McDonald's Corporation, a role he held from 1998 to 2002.

Early Life and Education

Greenberg was born in Chicago, Illinois. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Illinois in 1964 and a Juris Doctor degree from the DePaul University College of Law in 1968.

Career

Greenberg began his career at McDonald's in 1982 as a part of the finance staff. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the company's CFO in 1985 and its President in 1990. In 1998, he was appointed as the Chairman and CEO of the corporation.

During his tenure, Greenberg oversaw a period of significant growth and expansion for McDonald's. He was instrumental in the launch of the company's "Made for You" system, a revolutionary approach to food preparation that allowed for greater customization of orders.

However, Greenberg's tenure was also marked by controversy. He faced criticism for his handling of the company's labor practices and for the decline in the company's stock price. He stepped down as CEO in 2002.

After leaving McDonald's, Greenberg returned to his legal roots. He joined the law firm of Sidley Austin as a senior counsel, where he focused on corporate governance and executive compensation issues.

Personal Life

Greenberg is married and has two children. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society.

Legacy

Despite the controversies during his tenure, Greenberg's impact on McDonald's and the fast-food industry as a whole cannot be understated. His leadership and innovative strategies helped shape the company into the global powerhouse it is today.

See Also

• List of chief executive officers
• McDonald's Corporation
• Fast food industry