Lamar is promoted to the role of senior vice-president of marketing from his position as general manager of McDonald's Atlanta region, where he was responsible for the 700 stores in the area. He replaces Tom Ryan, who is moving to a role working on McDonald's concept development and menu innovation.
Before joining McDonald's in 1984, Lamar worked in marketing for Quaker Oats, Burrell Advertising and United Airlines. He has a master's degree from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.
Mike Roberts, president of McDonald's USA, said: "Bill Lamar has proven marketing, business and field expertise. He has demonstrated the type of leadership skills that are necessary to create new and exciting ways to engage and please our customers."
McDonald's was one of four fast-food companies recently named in a lawsuit brought by an overweight man in New York. He is blaming McDonald's, along with Burger King, KFC and Wendy's, for turning him into a 20-stone junk-food addict.
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