Former McDonald’s Corp. President and CEO Charlie Bell died Sunday of colorectal cancer in his hometown of Sydney, Australia. Bell, who was diagnosed with cancer last May, was 44 years old.
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“This is a tragic loss. Charlie Bell gave his all to McDonald’s,” said Andrew J. McKenna, chairman of the board of directors, in a statement. “Even during his hospitalization and chemotherapy, Charlie led this company with pride and determination.”
Bell resigned in November to devote all his time and energy to fight his battle with cancer, the company said. Jim Skinner, who had been the QSR’s vice chairman, replaced him at that time.
Bell underwent colorectal cancer surgery on May 5, just weeks after replacing CEO James Cantalupo, who died last April of a heart attack while attending a company meeting in Orlando.
Bell previously served as president and COO, and was responsible for the company’s more than 30,000 restaurants in 119 countries, during which time he also became a director of the company.
He began his McDonald’s career at age 15 as a part-time crew member at the Kingsford restaurant in Sydney, and became Australia’s youngest store manager at age 19.
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