McDonald’s named Skye Anderson as president of its U.S. operations on Tuesday, replacing Joe Erlinger after six years in the role. The announcement came as the company reported U.S. same-store sales growth slowed to 0.8% in Q2, down from 2.5% a year earlier, reflecting broader consumer caution amid economic pressures.
The company also posted $2.36 billion in net income for the quarter, exceeding analyst expectations, though revenue of $7.1 billion fell slightly short of Wall Street estimates. Global same-store sales rose 1.3%, with international markets outperforming the U.S. segment.
Leadership Transition and Strategic Shifts
Anderson, a 26-year McDonald’s veteran who most recently served as COO of U.S. operations, assumes leadership amid declining U.S. foot traffic and shifting consumer priorities. CEO Chris Kempczinski framed her appointment as a move to "accelerate performance" in the company’s largest market, citing her operational expertise and past success in driving sales growth. Erlinger will remain as an advisor through early 2027.
The leadership change coincides with McDonald’s efforts to adapt to inflation-driven spending pressures, particularly among lower-income consumers. In April, the company introduced a value menu featuring 10 items priced at $3 or less, including the Sausage McMuffin and McDouble. However, Kempczinski acknowledged implementation challenges, noting that only 60-65% of restaurants adopted the menu as designed, with some franchisees adjusting pricing strategies.
Financial Performance and Market Response
McDonald’s Q2 earnings per share reached $3.32, up from $3.14 a year ago, while revenue grew 4% year-over-year to $7.1 billion. The company’s stock rose 2% in premarket trading following the results. Despite the profit beat, Kempczinski highlighted declining guest counts in U.S. stores, attributing part of the slowdown to overlapping promotions that overwhelmed customers.
The U.S. sales slowdown follows a 2.5% growth rate in Q2 2025, which was buoyed by a high-profile tie-in meal for the Minecraft movie. This year’s results were further impacted by rising gas prices, which peaked at $4.56 per gallon in May, according to AAA data. Kempczinski also noted that reductions in digital discounts contributed to the decline, as loyal customers had come to rely on those offers.
Broader Industry Context
McDonald’s is not alone in facing slower U.S. sales growth, as other fast-food chains such as Burger King and Chili’s have similarly experimented with value-focused menus to attract cost-sensitive diners. The company’s global strategy has leaned on value meals and promotional campaigns to maintain momentum, though the U.S. market remains a critical challenge.
Kempczinski did not outline specific plans for the under-$3 menu’s future but emphasized the need for greater operational consistency across franchise locations. The company’s earnings call suggested that balancing affordability with profitability will remain a key focus in the coming quarters.
McDonald’s overall performance contrasts with its international segments, where same-store sales grew 1.5% in operated markets and 1.9% in developmental licensed markets, led by strong results in Germany, Australia, and Japan.