McDonald’s USA Welcomes New Chief Marketing Officer
Alyssa Buetikofer, currently serving as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of McDonald’s Canada, has been appointed as Senior Vice-President, CMO, and Customer Experience Officer of McDonald’s USA. She will assume her new role on February 15, 2025, succeeding Tariq Hassan, who will step down to focus on his family.
A Legacy of Innovation
Hassan, who joined McDonald’s in September 2021, has been instrumental in strengthening the brand through initiatives like adult Happy Meals and Grimace’s birthday celebration. Under his leadership, the company has built deeper connections with customers, delivered award-winning campaigns, and innovated in a competitive marketplace.
A New Chapter
McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger praised Hassan’s contributions, stating, “Tariq has been a driving force behind our business growth, putting our brand at the center of culture while delivering on our Accelerating the Arches strategy. His leadership has helped us transform into a data-driven, digital business, driving growth and building new capabilities to fortify our brand for the future.”
A Seasoned Leader Takes the Reins
Buetikofer brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having joined McDonald’s in 2011 and worked across various geographies and departments. Her achievements as CMO of McDonald’s Canada include launching the loyalty program, introducing menu expansions like the McCrispy and Chicken Big Mac, and enhancing beverage options. In the US, she played a pivotal role in launching the Famous Orders platform.
A Strong Partner for Owner/Operators
Erlinger expressed confidence in Buetikofer’s ability to connect with customers, inspire brand loyalty, and grow the business. “Alyssa is a clear, thoughtful communicator and an experienced leader who truly understands the critical role marketing plays in our success. She’ll fit right in on our senior leadership team and will be a highly welcomed return to US marketing.”
Recent Initiatives
In January 2025, McDonald’s rolled out a Pokémon-themed Happy Meal promotion across the US. The brand also recently extended its partnership with tech company Cognizant to boost staff enablement, customer experience, and operational efficiency.
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