McDonald's CEO Steve Easterbrook fired for dating employee

• McDonalds said that Steve Easterbrook has separated from the company after he violated company policy.
• Easterbrook was replaced by McDonalds USA President Chris Kempczinski immediately.

One of the world’s largest fast food companies McDonalds has fired its CEO, after it was learnt that the CEO was having a relationship with an employee.

The company announced in a statement that Steve Easterbrook — who had been the fast-food giant’s chief executive officer since 2015 —  “has separated from the Company following the Board's determination that he violated company policy and demonstrated poor judgement involving a recent consensual relationship with an employee.”

Without providing further details, McDonald’s said Easterbrook would be replaced by USA President Chris Kempczinski, 51, effective immediately. “Chris takes the reins of this great company at a time of strong, sustained performance, and the Board has every confidence that he is the best leader to set the vision and drive the plans for the Company's continued success,” stated the company.

Meanwhile, in an email to employees Easterbrook wrote “This was a mistake.” “Given the values of the company, I agree with the board that it is time for me to move on,” he added, quoted BBC.

Easterbrook became CEO of McDonald’s in 2015. The UK born has earlier served in positions of McDonald’s chief brand officer of and its former head in the U.K. and northern Europe.