Tariq Hassan departs, Alyssa Buetikofer named CMO of McDonald's USA

In a recent update, McDonald's Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, Tariq Hassan, announced that he will be stepping down from his role after much consideration. Tariq, who has been a key figure in shaping the brand’s marketing strategies, shared that the time had come for him to prioritize his family. He expressed his gratitude for his time at McDonald’s, stating that with the brand and team in strong hands, and a successor already identified, it was the right moment to focus on spending time with his daughter before she heads to college and his wife after years of remote work. Tariq will remain with the company to ensure a smooth transition through the first quarter of 2025.

Tariq's contributions to McDonald’s have been transformative. Under his leadership, McDonald's executed breakthrough campaigns that deepened connections with customers and strengthened the brand’s position in a competitive market. Campaigns such as adult Happy Meals, food hacks, and the revival of Grimace captured the public’s imagination and showcased Tariq’s passion for cultural relevance. He was instrumental in driving McDonald's digital and data-driven initiatives, helping the brand stay ahead of industry trends and grow its customer base.

In a move to fill the leadership vacuum, McDonald’s has appointed Alyssa Buetikofer as the new Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer of McDonald's USA. Alyssa, who has been the Chief Marketing Officer for McDonald’s Canada, will return to the US business on February 15, 2025. With a strong track record in both marketing and digital strategy, Alyssa is expected to build on McDonald’s momentum and continue elevating the brand’s connection with customers.

Alyssa brings a wealth of experience to the role, having held various positions at McDonald’s since 2011. Most recently, she led McDonald’s Canada through successful campaigns, including the launch of MyMcDonald's Rewards, and innovative product offerings like the Chicken Big Mac. Her work has earned her a reputation for creativity and delivering impactful business results, such as the Famous Orders platform in the US, which saw record-breaking social engagement and contributed significantly to McDonald's business growth.

The appointment of Alyssa Buetikofer signals McDonald’s commitment to strengthening its marketing strategies and ensuring continued growth in a rapidly evolving landscape. As she steps into her new role, McDonald's looks forward to a successful 2025 and beyond under her leadership.