McDonald’s golden arches at an outlet in Westbury, New York.
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McDonald’s is taking steps to increase the number of women and historically under-represented groups in its senior executives.
By 2025, the company aims to have at least 35% senior executives or senior leadership positions from historically underrepresented groups, 6% more than 2020 baseline data and at least 45% women, 8% more than in 2020. McDonald’s aims towards total gender equality for leadership positions by the end of 2030.
According to the company’s 2018 data filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 32% of the company’s executive or senior managers were. About 33% of executive or senior managers identified as black, Hispanic or Asian.
The compensation of executive vice presidents is linked to the achievement of annual targets. McDonald’s board of directors has endorsed the goals, which apply to the highest levels of the company, including CEO Chris Kempczinski.
From 2021, 15% of executive bonuses will be based on human capital measures. System-wide sales growth and operating income growth will both account for 42.5% of incentive plans.
Members of the senior leadership team are also taking steps to create diverse lists of candidates for all open positions, actively engaging with internal and external diversity groups and mentoring and sponsoring more women and minorities.
In July, following international protests against racism and police brutality, McDonald’s announced plans to make commitments to diversity and inclusion. In November, the company hired Reggie Miller as its Chief Diversity Officer.
In the past year, McDonald’s has been accused of racism at all levels of the company. Two Black executives sued the company in January 2020, claiming that it took advertising away from Black customers and rated the Black franchisees’ stores more strictly than the locations of white operators. The company is also facing three lawsuits from current and former Black franchisees, alleging that they were sent to downtown locations with lower sales and then evicted.
At least 50 of the restaurant employees have filed complaints of sexual harassment with the EEOC.