Former Cardinal Health, Kellogg executive joins QSR’s senior leadership team
McDonald’s named Brian Rice executive vice president (EVP) and global chief information officer (CIO). Rice will join the Global SLT (Senior Leadership Team) and report to Chris Kempczinski, McDonald’s CEO.
Rice’s experience spans across decades of working with top-tier brands, including Kellogg Company, Mars, General Motors, and Cardinal Health. Advocating for values-based leadership and inspiring his team have been additional traits that appealed to McDonald’s as Rice was considered for his new position.
Over time, Rice “modernized technology systems, built new capabilities, and elevated the role of digital in building relationships with customers to drive growth.” Having trained professionals who went on to become CIOs of global organizations, he has demonstrated his ability to mentor others.
Most recently, Rice held the role of EVP, chief information officer and global business services at Cardinal Health. Before Cardinal, he served as SVP, chief information officer and global business services at the Kellogg Company. Prior to his work at Kellogg, he held the role of global services information officer for General Motors Corporation.
“Our innovations in digital and technology are powering our ambition to double down on our 3Ds (digital, delivery and Drive Thru),” said Kempczinski. “We’re scaling new capabilities including loyalty—which is now in nearly 50 markets—introducing new innovations like artificial intelligence and automated order taking, and modernizing data systems to move faster while improving the experience for customers and crew.”
The burger giant’s digital investments have produced significant returns, suggested its CEO. In the company’s Q2 2022, digital sales accounted for $6B in the top markets at McDonald’s.
Rice will begin his new role as EVP and global CIO at McDonald’s August 31. He will be based out of Chicago.
Kempczinski added, “While we further fortify an even stronger technology backbone across every aspect and touchpoint of our business, Brian will partner with leaders across the center, our segments and our markets to support our transformation of the McDonald’s experience into an extraordinary and personalized journey for every person.”
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