Over time, icon brands like McDonald’s must undertake fundamental change in order to respond and adapt to the changing needs of customers and issues affecting our society. In his speech to the Canadian Club Bill Johnson will discuss how, as the leader in the Canadian foodservice industry, McDonald’s Canada is taking a lead role in helping raise awareness of major issues touching its business, particularly the rising rate of obesity among Canadians. Johnson will address how McDonald’s Canada is proactively working with government and industry decision-makers to address this important health issue in innovative ways.
Bill Johnson began his career with McDonald’s Canada in 1970 in London, Ontario as a crew person. He held various positions with the company, becoming Vice-President of Restaurant Development in 1992. In 1994, Mr. Johnson traveled to Mexico as President of McDonald’s Mexico where he expanded operations at the restaurant operation by 40 per cent in four years, during one of Mexico’s most challenging economic downturns. Bill returned to Canada as Executive Vice-President in 1998 with responsibility for Western Canadian operations. He was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer in January 2000 and in 2003 was appointed Chairman, President and CEO of the Canadian corporation.
