| Jill McDonald | |
| Birth Date: | 1964 5, df=yes |
| Birth Place: | Birmingham, England |
| Education: | Sevenoaks School University of Brighton |
| Occupation: | Businesswoman |
| Known For: | Former CEO of Halfords Former CEO of McDonald's UK Former CEO of Costa Coffee |
| Children: | 2 |
Gillian Clare McDonald (born 15 May 1964) is a British businesswoman. She has previously been the CEO of Costa Coffee, CEO of Halfords, CEO of McDonald's UK and head of Marks & Spencer's non-food business, overseeing clothing, home and beauty.
McDonald was born on 15 May 1964[1] in Birmingham, and grew up in Sevenoaks.[2] She was educated at Sevenoaks School and graduated from the University of Brighton with a first class degree in business studies.[3]
She began her career as a graduate marketing trainee with Colgate Palmolive. In 1990, she joined British Airways as a brand manager, and worked there for 16 years, rising to head of global marketing, before joining McDonald's in 2006.[4] [5]
In 2006, she joined McDonald's as chief marketing officer for the UK and northern Europe, and in 2010, was promoted to CEO of McDonald's UK and president of North West Europe.[6]
She was appointed to the board of InterContinental Hotels Group in 2013.[7]
In May 2015, McDonald replaced Matt Davies (who left to join Tesco), as CEO of Halfords,[8] on a basic salary of £500,000 plus bonuses.
In May 2017, McDonald was announced to be taking over Marks & Spencer's non-food business in the autumn, and in her role reported to CEO Steve Rowe.[9] [10] [11]
In July 2019, McDonald left Marks & Spencer after failing to secure an uplift in clothing sales, with Rowe assuming responsibility of the clothing and home division.[12] [13]
In November 2019, McDonald was named CEO of Costa Coffee, and started on 2 December 2019.[14] On 13 July 2022, Costa Coffee announced that McDonald was stepping down as CEO of the company to join McDonald's in an international role.[15]
McDonald is twice married and has two sons.