McDonald's CEO Resigns to Fight Cancer

McDonald's Corp. CEO Charlie Bell has resigned to devote all of his time and energy to fight his battle with cancer.

Skinner Bell

Jim Skinner, McDonald's vice chairman, has been named to replace Bell as CEO and as a member of the board of directors. In addition, Mike Roberts, currently CEO of McDonald's USA, has been named president and COO and a board member.

Bell, 44, underwent colorectal cancer surgery on May 5, just weeks after replacing CEO James Cantalupo, who died April 19 of a heart attack while attending a company meeting in Orlando, FL. Cantalupo was 60 years old. Bell was diagnosed with cancer on May 3.

"Charlie is a remarkable leader and well loved by the McDonald's family, and we fully understand and respect his decision," said Andrew J. McKenna, chairman of the board, in a statement.