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| This is an undated photo released by Oak Brook,
Ill.-based McDonald's Corp., of CEO Charlie Bell. Bell, who stepped down last
year as McDonald's Corp.'s chief executive to battle colorectal cancer,
died early Monday Jan. 17, 2005 in his native Australia. He
was 44.(AP) |
Charlie Bell, who began his McDonald's Corp.
career as a part-time worker in a suburban Sydney restaurant and later
became chief executive of the fast-food icon, died early Monday of colon cancer
in his native
Australia. He was 44.
Bell was diagnosed with cancer last May, only a month after ascending
to the top job. He left the fast food-giant in November, after several
rounds of treatment. McDonald's announced his death Sunday evening.
"Charlie Bell gave his all to McDonald's," said
Andrew J. McKenna, chairman of the company's board. "Even during his
hospitalization and chemotherapy
, Charlie led this company with pride and determination."
Bell was replaced as CEO by Jim Skinner, the Oak Brook, Ill.-based
company's third CEO in a year. Bell was chosen to replace former chief
James Cantalupo, who died of a heart attack in April 2004.
Early last month, Bell and his family returned to Sydney where he was
continuing his cancer therapy.
McDonald's spokesman Walt Riker declined to comment on whether Bell was
in the hospital or at home. No funeral arrangements have yet been made, he
said.
Bell rose through the ranks of the Oak Brook, Ill.-based fast food
giant, starting at a Sydney restaurant in 1975 and becoming the youngest
store manager in Australia by the age of 19.
From 1993 until late 1999 Bell was managing director of McDonald's
Australia. He then served as president of McDonald's Europe until December
2002 and was then named president and chief operating officer and a board
member of McDonald's.
"Charlie grew up with McDonald's," Fred Turner,
the company's former chairman and CEO, said in a statement. "He always put
the system first. His natural love of people, his energy and passion for
life and the business were contagious
to all who came in contact with him."
Under Cantalupo and Bell, McDonald's staged a rebound in sales as the
company slowed the pace of new store openings, added popular new salads
and breakfast items to its menus and shed noncore parts of its business.
(Agencies) | 
Updated: 2005-01-17 10:08