McDonald's announced that it has "separated" with former CEO Steve Easterbrook after the board found he was recently in a consensual relationship with an employee.
The announcement came on Sunday via a press release. The release said that Easterbrook "violated company policy and demonstrated poor judgment involving a recent consensual relationship with an employee."
CNN reported that Easterbrook sent an email to employees confirming the relationship and calling it a "mistake," as well as asking for privacy.
"As for my departure, I engaged in a recent consensual relationship with an employee, which violated McDonald's policy," he reportedly 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. Beyond this, I hope you can respect my desire to maintain my privacy."
According to CNN, Easterbrook resigned on October 31 and received "26 weeks severance pay, in addition to prorated bonuses as warranted" as part of his termination agreement.
McDonald's named Chris Kempczinski, who was most recently president of McDonald's USA, to be president and and CEO of McDonald's effective immediately, according to the release.
Per Enrique Hernandez Jr., chairman of McDonald's Board of Directors, the company feels confident about Kempczinski and this "leadership transition":
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. He has the right mix of skills and experience to lead us forward having run our U.S. business, where franchisees are delivering strong financial and operational results, and overseen global strategy, business development and innovation.
