OAK BROOK, Ill. — McDonald’s Corp. has announced two additions to its leadership team. Robert Gibbs has been named executive vice president and global chief communications officer, and Silvia Lagnado has been named executive vice president and global CMO. Both will report to Steve Easterbrook, president and CEO of McDonald’s. 

Robert Gibbs, new executive vice-president and global chief communications officer for McDonald's.

Gibbs, who joins the company from The Incite Agency, a strategic communications advisory firm he co-founded in 2013, will succeed Bridget Coffing, who announced her retirement earlier this year after 30 years with McDonald’s. Previously, he served as President Barack Obama’s press secretary during his first term and as senior campaign advisor during his re-election campaign. Gibbs will lead the corporate relations group at McDonald’s, which manages internal and external communications and government and public affairs. His responsibilities will include communicating coordinated messages to internal and external constituencies, enhancing the brand and supporting corporate strategies.

Silvia Lagnado, new executive vice president and global CMO for McDonald's.

Lagnado was most recently CMO of Bacardi Limited. In her new role, she will oversee all aspects of global brand management for McDonald’s, including global marketing, menu and consumer insights. Her position was previously open due to organizational changes.

“Robert and Silvia are both highly-respected, talented leaders who will bring a wealth of experience and outside perspective to McDonald’s as we build a more modern, progressive burger company,” Easterbrook said. “Returning excitement to our business proposition and brand is foundational to our turnaround plan, and Robert and Silvia — with their respective teams — will play critical roles in bringing this strategy to life.”