Who Is Don Thompson
Don Thompson is an American business executive known for leading major companies in food service and technology. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of McDonald's Corporation from 2012 to 2015, making him one of the highest-profile African American executives in the restaurant industry. Before McDonald's, he spent over two decades at the company in operations and leadership roles. He later joined the board of directors and became CEO of Beyond Meat, a plant-based food company traded on the Nasdaq stock market under the symbol BYND. He also serves on the board of directors of Tesla Inc., the electric vehicle and clean energy company led by Elon Musk. His career focuses on scaling consumer brands, operations, and technology-driven business models.
Thompson holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He began his career at McDonald's in 1990 as a manager and advanced through regional and national leadership positions. During his tenure as CEO of McDonald's, the company faced challenges from changing consumer preferences and competition from fast-casual chains. He led initiatives focused on digital ordering, mobile payments, and restaurant modernization. After leaving McDonald's in 2015, he became an operating partner at private equity firm Cleveland Avenue, which invests in food and consumer brands. He later joined the leadership team at Beyond Meat as CEO, where he oversaw product innovation, retail expansion, and partnerships with major foodservice operators.
Don Thompson CEO Roles and Companies
McDonald's President and CEO
Don Thompson became President and CEO of McDonald's in July 2012, succeeding Jim Skinner. He was the first African American to lead the company as CEO. During his tenure, McDonald's continued to operate in over 100 countries with tens of thousands of locations. He emphasized digital tools, including the McDonald's mobile app and self-service kiosks in restaurants. Under his leadership, the company faced pressure from health-conscious consumers and activist investors. He announced his departure from McDonald's in 2015, and Steve Easterbrook succeeded him as CEO. His compensation during his tenure included base salary, bonus, stock awards, and other benefits typical of large-cap public company executives.
Beyond Meat CEO
Don Thompson joined Beyond Meat as CEO in 2021, taking over from Ethan Brown. Beyond Meat is a plant-based meat substitute company that went public in May 2019 via a special purpose acquisition company. The company manufactures products such as the Beyond Burger and Beyond Sausage, sold in grocery stores and foodservice channels across the United States and other markets. As CEO, Thompson focused on expanding retail distribution, improving margins, and managing production capacity. The company operates facilities in the United States and has partnerships with retailers and restaurant chains. Beyond Meat's financial performance has been closely watched by investors as a test case for the alternative protein sector. More details on his role are available on the Beyond Meat investor relations page.
Tesla Board Member
Don Thompson was appointed to the board of directors of Tesla Inc. in 2024. Tesla designs, manufactures, and sells electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and solar products. The company is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and trades on the Nasdaq stock exchange. As a board member, Thompson contributes to governance, strategy, and oversight of Tesla's operations and financial performance. Tesla's board includes executives and directors with backgrounds in technology, manufacturing, and finance. His appointment reflects Tesla's focus on diverse leadership and cross-industry expertise. Information about his board role can be found on Tesla's official website.
Career Background and Education
Don Thompson studied electrical engineering at Purdue University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He later obtained an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. His education provided