McDonald's CEO Is Out Over 'Consensual Relationship With an Employee'. McDonald's board members confirmed that Steve Easterbrook was 'separated' from the company. Chief people officer David Fairhurst is also no longer with the company. CEO since 2015, Easterbrook was replaced in roles of CEO and president by Chris Kempczinski. A statement released by McDonald's said that Easterbrook "demonstrated poor judgment involving a recent consensual relationship with an employee.". This was a mistake. 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, Steve Easterbrook, Former McDonald's CEO, via CNN Business. Under Easterbrook, McDonald's stores embraced digital menu boards, utilized AI companies to improve sales and underwent significant remodels. Easterbrook's replacement, Chris Kempczinski, says he is "energized by this challenge" of his new role with the company
