Vice Chairman of McDonalds, Jim Skinner was appointed CEO in 2004. In this capacity he is the leader of the biggest food service company in the world. Figures include: over 33,000 eateries in 119 countries. In his leadership role, Skinner established three top priorities for his staff: long-term sustainable growth for McDonalds; talent management and leadership development; and the promotion of balanced active lifestyles. Before he landed this executive role, Skinner worked his way up in the company, beginning as a restaurant manager trainee and then when he went to the managerial role, he became Vice Chair of McDonald’s Corporation, with responsibility for Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA), and Latin America. As well he had to supervise most corporate staff functions. He also took on responsibility for McDonald’s Japan Limited – the company’s second-largest market, boasting close to 4,000 restaurants. Skinner has also been President and COO of the McDonald’s Restaurant Group; president of McDonald’s Europe; Executive Vice President and International Relationship Partner for Central Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India. He was Senior Vice President and Relationship Partner, overseeing McDonald’s development in Central Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India. He also held numerous positions in the McDonald’s U.S. company. Skinner has sat on the Board of Directors of McDonald’s Corporation since 2004 and sits on the boards of Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Walgreen Company, ITW (Illinois Tool Works) and Catalyst.