Russo shifts from Australia, where he was CEO, to Hong Kong.
Other changes at McDonald's China Development Corporation (CDC) include the employment of Gary Rosen to the role of China marketing director. He will replace Shantel Wong, who is understood to be shifting to an operational role, overseeing McDonald's Olympics activities. In addition, McDonald's CDC president and CEO Peter Tan is expected to retire, while general manager Eric Foo's status remains unclear.
According to a source, the reshuffle is part of McDonald's attempts to spur growth in China, where it lags KFC in terms of store numbers. Russo's appointment is ex-pected to galvanise mainland operations. "He is an absolute stickler for detail, and will add insight," said the source.
In Hong Kong, meanwhile, it is believed that VP of marketing David Morita has resigned. Attempts to contact McDonald's proved unsuccessful.
The news comes with the fast food giant announcing an increase in Asia-Pacific and MEA sales of 1.6 per cent for the month of April. While the figures marked the 17th gain in the last 18 months, poor results in China reportedly pegged down returns.
GREATER CHINA: McDonald's has signalled a major reshuffle of its mainland operations, naming Guy Russo as Greater China international relationship partner. Russo shifts from Australia, where he was CEO, to Hong Kong.
Other changes at McDonald's China Development Corporation (CDC) include the employment of Gary Rosen to the role of China marketing director. He will replace Shantel Wong, who is understood to be shifting to an operational role, overseeing McDonald's Olympics activities. In addition, McDonald's CDC president and CEO Peter Tan is expected to retire, while general manager Eric Foo's status remains unclear.
According to a source, the reshuffle is part of McDonald's attempts to spur growth in China, where it lags KFC in terms of store numbers. Russo's appointment is ex-pected to galvanise mainland operations. "He is an absolute stickler for detail, and will add insight," said the source.
In Hong Kong, meanwhile, it is believed that VP of marketing David Morita has resigned. Attempts to contact McDonald's proved unsuccessful.
The news comes with the fast food giant announcing an increase in Asia-Pacific and MEA sales of 1.6 per cent for the month of April. While the figures marked the 17th gain in the last 18 months, poor results in China reportedly pegged down returns.
