David Fairhurst’s departure comes immediately after the board of directors fired CEO Steve Easterbrook
After fast-food chain McDonald’s fired its CEO Steve Easterbrook over his alleged relationship with an employee, the company’s global chief people officer has stepped down.
McDonald’s announced the resignation of HR chief David Fairhurst in an internal memo from the newly appointed CEO Chris Kempczinksi.
Fairhurst’s departure comes immediately after the board of directors ousted Easterbrook who was found to have violated company policy barring managers from having a relationship with direct or indirect reports.
It is unclear, however, why Fairhurst has resigned or whether he played a part in the scandal or Easterbrook’s dismissal. Mason Smoot, a senior vice president, will serve as interim HR chief.
Fairhurst was appointed chief people officer in 2015 when Easterbrook was named CEO.
