Former Mc's boss dies at 44 - colorectal cancer

[Guest guest]

Hmmm... The one before him died of a heart attack.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/Business/Former-Mcs-boss-dies-at-44/2005/01/17/\

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Former Mc's boss dies at 44

January 17, 2005 - 4:18PM

Charlie Bell ... from frying fries to running Mc's global operation.

Charlie Bell, the Australian who started his career as a teenager serving fries

in Sydney and became the head of the Mc's global empire, has died after a

battle with cancer.

Foreign Minister Downer extended his sympathies to Mr Bell's family,

praising Mr Bell as an effective and enthusiastic ambassador for Australia.

" Mr Bell was a hard-working and successful Australian who established a

significant presence in international business, " he said in a statement.

" His success story, rising up the ranks of a global corporation from the suburbs

of Sydney to head its international operations, is one that does Mr Bell and his

country proud.

" Despite his heavy business commitments Mr Bell was always happy to devote time

to promoting Australia. His efforts were greatly appreciated. "

Mr Bell was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in May last year, less than a month

after becoming the fast food giant's chief executive.

He was the first non-American to head the US corporation.

Mr Bell stepped down from the position in November and returned with his family

to Sydney in a specially equipped jet to continue cancer therapy.

He died in Sydney today surrounded by his family. Mr Bell was 44.

He is survived by his wife Leonie and his daughter .

Mc's Australia Ltd chief executive Guy Russo said Mr Bell died at 7.30am

(AEDT).

He described him as a ``great mate'' who achieved much in a short time.

``We have lost a true friend as well as a great leader of our organisation,'' Mr

Russo said.

Mr Bell began as a Mc's part-time crew member as a 15-year-old.

He became the youngest store manager in Australia at 19 and a member of the

Australian board of directors by 29.

He went overseas and became Mc's president in Europe before moving to the

US, where his career continued to prosper.

Mr Bell was promoted to Mc's president and chief operating officer in

January 2003.

With former chief executive Jim Cantalupo, Mr Bell was responsible for turning

the company around from a flagging brand criticised in a backlash over rising

obesity.

He introduced Mc's healthy menu alternatives, improved service standards

and revamped marketing.

The success of the changes brought a halt in the slide in Mc's global

fortunes and a resumption of its familiar growth pattern.

In April last year he became the first non-American chief executive of

Mc's when Mr Cantalupo died of a heart attack.

``Charlie grew up with Mc's,'' Fred , the company's former chairman

and chief executive said in a statement.

``He always put the system first. His natural love of people, his energy and

passion for life and the business were contagious to all who came in contact

with him.''

Board chairman McKenna said Mr Bell's death was a tragic loss.

``Charlie Bell gave his all to Mc's. Even during his hospitalisation and

chemotherapy, Charlie led this company with pride and determination.

``Now he leaves a remarkable legacy -- a legacy that the Mc's system will

benefit from for years to come,'' Mr McKenna said.

Jim Skinner, who replaced Mr Bell as chief executive in November, described the

Australian as an incredible leader.

``He was also my good friend. More than anything, Charlie was a role model for

each of us - and we are better off, as individuals and as a system, because of

him.''

Mc's Australia said no funeral arrangements have yet been made.

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