McDonald’s Australia appoints Chris Brown as new CMO

McDonald’s Australia has appointed Chris Brown as VP and CMO for the iconic fast food business, replacing Jenni Dill, who announced her intentions to leave earlier this year.

With over 23 years’ experience leading creative and digital agencies in Australia and overseas, Brown will join the McDonald’s Australia senior leadership team, reporting directly to CEO, Andrew Gregory. 

Gregory praised his experience here and abroad leading award-winning agencies, campaigns and teams, with both extensive leadership and commercial experience. 

“Chris will play a critical role in driving and delivering marketing vision for the 2022 Way Forward Plan, while working closely with our franchisee community and media partners to grow the McDonald’s brand in a rapidly changing marketplace,” said Gregory. 

Leaving R/GA in New York, where he is senior VP and group MD, responsible for delivering digital services, experience design, innovation and business consulting for clients including Samsung, Shopify, American Express and Johnson & Johnson, Brown will relocate back to Australia to take up the McDonald’s role. 

"McDonald’s is an iconic and trusted brand in Australia with a commitment to improve the customer experience and make a fundamental contribution to the country as both a major employer and provider of good quality food and services,” Brown said. 

“There is also a track record of innovation and creativity and I am looking forward to working with everyone at McDonald's and our partners to deliver strong brand and business outcomes." 

Commencing his career with DDB in London in 1997, Brown was appointed group MD of DDB Sydney in 2007 and, subsequently, CEO of DDB Australia in 2012. In 2014, Brown relocated to New York, where he was appointed DDB New York’s president and CEO.

Brown will commence his role with McDonald’s Australia in December 2020. 

 Follow CMO on Twitter: @CMOAustralia, take part in the CMO conversation on LinkedIn: CMO ANZ, follow our regular updates via CMO Australia's Linkedin company page, or join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CMOAustralia.