Dillon will assume the role from October 3 and will report to Mike Roberts, McDonald's president and chief operating officer.
Jim Skinner, McDonald's chief executive officer, said: "Mary Dillon is an extremely talented executive, who brings a remarkable combination of marketing and general management expertise to McDonald's.
"Mary will add energetic leadership and creative thinking to a global marketing team that continues to deepen relationships with our customers."
Dillon, who is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, has experience in food, beverage, and fitness and family, and was appointed division president of PepsiCo-owned Quaker Foods in 2004.
Prior to that, she held roles as vice-president of marketing for Gatorade and Propel Fitness Waters from 2000-2002; senior vice-president of marketing at Gardenburger from 1996 to 2000; and director of produce offerings at Snapple Natural Beverages from 1995-1996.
She will work closely with Light throughout the remainder of 2005 to ensure a smooth marketing leadership transition with Light. He will maintain a consulting relationship with McDonald's after he retires.
Dillon will be responsible for all aspects of global brand management including strategy development, research, creative, marketing activities, global sponsorships and will assume leadership of the McDonald's Balanced Lifestyles Initiative.
"This is one of the best marketing jobs in the world and I am excited and immensely proud to join this world-class team that touches millions of consumers every day," Dillon said.
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