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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name         = Kevin Ozan
| name = Kevin Ozan
| birth_name   = Kevin M. Ozan
| birth_name = Kevin Ozan
| nationality = American
| birth_place = United States
| occupation   = Corporate executive, finance executive
| nationality = American
| known_for    = Former Chief Financial Officer of [[McDonald's Corporation]]
| occupation = Business executive, corporate finance leader
| education   = [[University of Michigan Ross School of Business]] (BBA, 1985)
| education = [[University of Michigan Ross School of Business]] (BBA, 1985)
| employer     = [[McDonald's Corporation]]
| employer = [[McDonald's Corporation]]
| title       = Former Senior Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives
| known_for = Former Chief Financial Officer of McDonald's Corporation
| title = Senior Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives (2022)
}}
}}


'''Kevin M. Ozan''' is an American corporate finance executive who served as the [[Chief Financial Officer]] (CFO) of [[McDonald's Corporation]], one of the world's largest foodservice companies, from March 2015 until September 2022. During his tenure as CFO, Ozan played a central role in the financial strategy that helped McDonald's return to sustained growth after a period of stagnation, overseeing initiatives that modernized the company's approach to technology, delivery, and restaurant experience. A graduate of the [[University of Michigan Ross School of Business]], where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1985, Ozan spent decades at McDonald's in progressively senior finance roles before ascending to the CFO position.<ref name="ross-profile">{{cite web |title=Kevin Ozan |url=https://michiganross.umich.edu/about/profile/kevin-ozan |publisher=University of Michigan Ross School of Business |date=March 27, 2021 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In June 2022, McDonald's CEO [[Chris Kempczinski]] announced that Ozan would be promoted to the newly created role of Senior Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, transitioning from the CFO position to lead the company's strategy team and oversee special corporate projects.<ref name="prnewswire">{{cite news |date=June 27, 2022 |title=McDonald's Promotes Kevin Ozan to Senior Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Ian Borden to Chief Financial Officer and Marion Gross to Global Chief Supply Chain Officer |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mcdonalds-promotes-kevin-ozan-to-senior-executive-vice-president-strategic-initiatives-ian-borden-to-chief-financial-officer-and-marion-gross-to-global-chief-supply-chain-officer-301575637.html |work=PR Newswire |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Beyond his corporate career, Ozan has been recognized for his philanthropic contributions, including a $3 million gift to Michigan Ross to establish undergraduate scholarships.<ref name="ross-scholarship">{{cite news |date=October 10, 2023 |title=Kevin Ozan, BBA '85, Establishes $3M Undergrad Scholarship at Ross |url=https://michiganross.umich.edu/news/kevin-ozan-bba-85-establishes-3m-undergrad-scholarship-ross |work=University of Michigan Ross School of Business |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
'''Kevin Ozan''' is an American business executive who served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of [[McDonald's Corporation]], one of the world's largest foodservice companies, from March 2015 until September 2022. Over the course of more than three decades at McDonald's, Ozan played a central role in the company's financial strategy during a period of significant transformation, including the implementation of its "Velocity Growth Plan" and subsequent growth initiatives that helped revitalize the brand's financial performance. In June 2022, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski announced that Ozan would be promoted to the role of Senior Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, where he would lead the company's strategy team and oversee key corporate priorities.<ref name="prnewswire">{{cite news |date=June 27, 2022 |title=McDonald's Promotes Kevin Ozan to Senior Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Ian Borden to Chief Financial Officer and Marion Gross to Global Chief Supply Chain Officer |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mcdonalds-promotes-kevin-ozan-to-senior-executive-vice-president-strategic-initiatives-ian-borden-to-chief-financial-officer-and-marion-gross-to-global-chief-supply-chain-officer-301575637.html |work=PR Newswire |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> A graduate of the [[University of Michigan]]'s Ross School of Business, Ozan has also been recognized for his philanthropic contributions to his alma mater, including a $3 million gift to establish undergraduate scholarships.<ref name="rossscholarship">{{cite news |date=October 10, 2023 |title=Kevin Ozan, BBA '85, Establishes $3M Undergrad Scholarship at Ross |url=https://michiganross.umich.edu/news/kevin-ozan-bba-85-establishes-3m-undergrad-scholarship-ross |work=University of Michigan Ross School of Business |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Education ==
== Education ==


Kevin Ozan attended the [[University of Michigan Ross School of Business]], where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in 1985.<ref name="ross-profile" /> The Ross School of Business, one of the premier undergraduate business programs in the United States, provided Ozan with a foundation in finance and accounting that would underpin his career in corporate financial management. Ozan has maintained a strong connection to his alma mater throughout his professional life, serving in advisory capacities and contributing financially to the institution. His relationship with Michigan Ross culminated in a significant philanthropic commitment in 2023, when he established a $3 million scholarship fund for undergraduate students at the school.<ref name="ross-scholarship" />
Kevin Ozan earned his [[Bachelor of Business Administration]] (BBA) degree from the [[University of Michigan]]'s [[Ross School of Business]] in 1985.<ref name="rossprofile">{{cite web |title=Kevin Ozan |url=https://michiganross.umich.edu/about/profile/kevin-ozan |publisher=University of Michigan Ross School of Business |date=March 27, 2021 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His undergraduate education at one of the United States' leading business schools provided a foundation in finance and accounting that would define his subsequent career trajectory. Ozan has maintained a strong connection with the Ross School of Business throughout his professional life, serving in advisory and philanthropic capacities in the years following his graduation. In October 2023, he made a $3 million gift to Michigan Ross to establish an undergraduate scholarship program, underscoring his commitment to supporting future generations of business students at the institution.<ref name="rossscholarship" />


== Career ==
== Career ==


=== Early Career at McDonald's ===
=== Early career at McDonald's ===


Kevin Ozan built his career within [[McDonald's Corporation]], spending decades at the company in a series of increasingly senior finance and accounting positions. Prior to becoming CFO, Ozan held multiple leadership roles within McDonald's financial organization, gaining extensive experience across the company's global operations. His long tenure at the company provided him with deep institutional knowledge of McDonald's business model, franchise system, and financial architecture.<ref name="ross-profile" />
Kevin Ozan built his career within [[McDonald's Corporation]], spending more than three decades at the company in various finance and leadership roles. Over the course of his tenure, he gained extensive experience across the organization's financial operations, rising through the ranks of the corporation's finance department. His long career at a single company allowed him to develop deep institutional knowledge of McDonald's global business model, including its franchise operations, supply chain economics, and international market dynamics.<ref name="rossprofile" />


=== Chief Financial Officer of McDonald's (2015–2022) ===
=== Chief Financial Officer (2015–2022) ===


Ozan was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of McDonald's Corporation effective March 2015.<ref name="ross-profile" /> His appointment came during a critical period for the company, which had been experiencing declining same-store sales and was facing increased competition from both traditional fast-food rivals and emerging fast-casual restaurant chains. Ozan's elevation to the CFO role coincided with a broader leadership transition at McDonald's, as the company sought to revitalize its brand and restore financial momentum.
Ozan was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of McDonald's Corporation effective March 2015.<ref name="rossprofile" /> His appointment to the CFO role came during a pivotal period for the company, as McDonald's was in the early stages of a significant strategic turnaround under new leadership. The company had been facing declining same-store sales and increased competition from both fast-casual restaurant chains and other quick-service competitors.


In a January 2019 interview with [[McKinsey & Company]], Ozan discussed McDonald's growth strategy and the financial thinking behind the company's turnaround efforts. He provided insights into what initiatives were working, what challenges remained, and what the company planned for its future, offering a detailed perspective on how McDonald's was approaching its competitive environment and operational transformation.<ref name="mckinsey">{{cite news |date=January 8, 2019 |title='Fast action' in fast food: McDonald's CFO on why the company is growing again |url=https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/fast-action-in-fast-food-mcdonalds-cfo-on-why-the-company-is-growing-again |work=McKinsey & Company |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The interview highlighted Ozan's role not merely as a financial steward but as a strategic partner in shaping the company's direction. He addressed McDonald's investments in technology, including self-order kiosks and digital platforms, as well as the company's efforts to improve restaurant modernization and delivery capabilities.<ref name="mckinsey" />
In a January 2019 interview with [[McKinsey & Company]], Ozan discussed the company's growth strategy and the factors that contributed to McDonald's return to sustained growth. In the interview, he provided insight into the company's approach to reinvigorating its business, addressing what was working, what was not, and the direction the company was heading.<ref name="mckinsey">{{cite news |date=January 8, 2019 |title='Fast action' in fast food: McDonald's CFO on why the company is growing again |url=https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/fast-action-in-fast-food-mcdonalds-cfo-on-why-the-company-is-growing-again |work=McKinsey & Company |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Ozan's tenure as CFO coincided with the rollout and execution of McDonald's "Velocity Growth Plan," a comprehensive strategy that focused on retaining existing customers, regaining lapsed customers, and converting casual customers into more frequent visitors. The plan also included substantial investments in digital ordering, delivery partnerships, restaurant modernization through the "Experience of the Future" redesign initiative, and menu innovation.


During Ozan's tenure as CFO, McDonald's pursued several major strategic initiatives. The company undertook an extensive refranchising program, converting many company-operated restaurants to franchise-operated locations, which altered the company's revenue mix and cost structure. This shift was intended to create a more asset-light business model with higher margins and more predictable cash flows. Ozan oversaw the financial dimensions of this transformation, which had significant implications for McDonald's balance sheet, capital allocation strategy, and return-of-capital programs for shareholders.
As CFO, Ozan was responsible for overseeing the financial dimensions of these strategic initiatives, including capital allocation decisions, cost management, and communication with investors and analysts on [[Wall Street]]. He served as a key spokesperson for McDonald's financial performance during quarterly earnings calls and investor presentations, providing detailed commentary on the company's revenue trends, margin performance, and return of capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.


McDonald's also made substantial investments in technology and digital ordering during this period. The company acquired several technology companies and invested heavily in mobile ordering, delivery partnerships, and drive-through innovations. Ozan's role as CFO required him to evaluate and manage the financial impact of these investments, balancing near-term spending against long-term growth potential.<ref name="mckinsey" />
Ozan's financial leadership also encompassed the management of McDonald's global refranchising strategy, through which the company converted a significant number of company-operated restaurants to franchised operations. This strategic shift was designed to create a more asset-light business model, reduce operational complexity, and improve the company's overall return on invested capital. The refranchising effort had substantial implications for the company's financial statements, affecting revenue recognition, operating margins, and capital expenditure levels.


The company's financial performance during Ozan's CFO tenure reflected the success of many of these strategic choices. McDonald's returned to consistent comparable-sales growth after the difficulties of the mid-2010s, and the company's stock price appreciated significantly over the period. Ozan's financial leadership was a key component of the management team that achieved this turnaround under successive CEOs.
During Ozan's years as CFO, McDonald's experienced a notable improvement in its financial performance. The company reported growth in comparable sales across its major market segments, and its stock price reflected the market's confidence in the turnaround strategy. Ozan played a central role in translating the company's operational improvements into financial results that met or exceeded investor expectations.


=== Senior Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives (2022) ===
=== Promotion to Senior Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives (2022) ===


On June 27, 2022, McDonald's Corporation announced a series of leadership changes that included the promotion of Kevin Ozan to the newly created position of Senior Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives.<ref name="prnewswire" /> In this role, Ozan was tasked with leading McDonald's strategy team and overseeing special corporate projects, leveraging his deep knowledge of the company's operations and financial structure to drive long-term strategic planning.<ref name="restaurantdive">{{cite news |date=June 27, 2022 |title=McDonald's names new CFO, global chief supply chain officer |url=https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/mcdonalds-names-new-cfo-global-supply-chain-officer/626104/ |work=Restaurant Dive |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
On June 27, 2022, McDonald's Corporation announced a series of leadership changes that included the promotion of Kevin Ozan from the CFO role to the newly created position of Senior Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives.<ref name="prnewswire" /> In this new capacity, Ozan was tasked with leading the company's strategy team and overseeing key corporate functions and strategic priorities. The announcement was made by McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski in a message to the McDonald's Global System.<ref name="prnewswire" />


The announcement was made by McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski, who communicated the changes to the McDonald's global system in a message that outlined the rationale for the leadership reorganization.<ref name="prnewswire" /> As part of the same restructuring, [[Ian Borden]], who had served as President of McDonald's International, was named as Ozan's successor in the CFO role, effective September 1, 2022. Borden, a 28-year veteran of McDonald's, brought extensive international operational experience to the finance position.<ref name="cfodive">{{cite news |date=June 27, 2022 |title=McDonald's international president to take on CFO role |url=https://www.cfodive.com/news/mcdonalds-international-president-to-take-on-cfo-role/626151/ |work=CFO Dive |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref name="nasdaq">{{cite news |date=June 27, 2022 |title=McDonald's Appoints Ian Borden To Succeed Kevin Ozan As CFO |url=https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/mcdonalds-appoints-ian-borden-to-succeed-kevin-ozan-as-cfo |work=Nasdaq |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Additionally, Marion Gross was promoted to the role of Global Chief Supply Chain Officer as part of the same announcement.<ref name="prnewswire" />
As part of the same leadership restructuring, [[Ian Borden]], who had served as President of McDonald's International, was named as Ozan's successor in the CFO role, effective September 1, 2022. Borden, a 28-year veteran of the company, brought extensive international operational experience to the finance leadership position.<ref name="cfodive">{{cite news |date=June 27, 2022 |title=McDonald's international president to take on CFO role |url=https://www.cfodive.com/news/mcdonalds-international-president-to-take-on-cfo-role/626151/ |work=CFO Dive |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Additionally, Marion Gross was promoted to the role of Global Chief Supply Chain Officer as part of the same announcement.<ref name="prnewswire" />


The creation of the Strategic Initiatives role for Ozan was seen as a recognition of his institutional knowledge and strategic acumen. Rather than departing the company after transitioning out of the CFO role, Ozan was retained in a senior capacity that allowed McDonald's to continue benefiting from his experience.<ref name="restaurantdive" /> The move also reflected a broader trend in large corporations of creating senior strategic roles for experienced executives who can contribute beyond traditional functional responsibilities.
The creation of the Senior Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives role for Ozan reflected McDonald's recognition of his deep knowledge of the company's operations and his ability to contribute to high-level strategic planning beyond the traditional scope of financial management. In this position, Ozan was expected to play a significant role in shaping the company's long-term direction, including its approach to digital transformation, restaurant development, and market expansion.<ref name="restaurantdive">{{cite news |date=June 27, 2022 |title=McDonald's names new CFO, global chief supply chain officer |url=https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/mcdonalds-names-new-cfo-global-supply-chain-officer/626104/ |work=Restaurant Dive |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


Industry coverage of the leadership changes noted that the transition was orderly and planned, with Ozan working alongside Borden during the transition period to ensure continuity in McDonald's financial management.<ref name="cfodive" /><ref name="nasdaq" />
Multiple industry publications covered the leadership transition. [[Nasdaq]] reported on the appointment of Ian Borden as Ozan's successor, noting the broader context of the leadership changes within the McDonald's executive team.<ref name="nasdaq">{{cite news |date=June 27, 2022 |title=McDonald's Appoints Ian Borden To Succeed Kevin Ozan As CFO |url=https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/mcdonalds-appoints-ian-borden-to-succeed-kevin-ozan-as-cfo |work=Nasdaq |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> CFO Dive characterized the transition as part of a broader leadership shuffle at the fast-food chain, emphasizing Borden's nearly three decades of experience at the company.<ref name="cfodive" /> Restaurant Dive noted that in his new role, Ozan would lead the strategy team and drive key corporate initiatives, suggesting that the company valued his strategic perspective beyond his financial expertise.<ref name="restaurantdive" />
 
=== Views on McDonald's Growth Strategy ===
 
In his 2019 interview with McKinsey & Company, Ozan offered a detailed perspective on the factors underpinning McDonald's return to growth after a period of stagnation. He discussed the importance of taking "fast action" to address the company's competitive challenges, a theme that resonated with the company's identity as a fast-food leader. The interview explored topics including the company's approach to menu innovation, digital technology adoption, and the role of the franchise model in driving performance improvements at the restaurant level.<ref name="mckinsey" />
 
Ozan's public commentary during his tenure as CFO provided insight into the financial philosophy that guided McDonald's strategic investments. He emphasized the importance of balancing near-term financial performance with longer-term investments in the customer experience, technology infrastructure, and brand positioning. His approach reflected a focus on disciplined capital allocation, ensuring that the company's significant investment spending generated measurable returns for shareholders while also strengthening the business for future growth.


== Philanthropy ==
== Philanthropy ==


In October 2023, Ozan made a $3 million gift to the [[University of Michigan Ross School of Business]] to establish the Kevin Ozan Undergraduate Scholarship.<ref name="ross-scholarship" /> The scholarship was created to support undergraduate students at Michigan Ross, reflecting Ozan's commitment to making business education more accessible. As a 1985 BBA graduate of the school, Ozan credited his Michigan Ross education with providing a strong foundation for his career in corporate finance.<ref name="ross-scholarship" />
=== University of Michigan Ross School of Business ===


The $3 million gift was among the more significant individual contributions to undergraduate scholarship programs at Michigan Ross. The university announced the scholarship through its official news channels, highlighting Ozan's career achievements at McDonald's and his longstanding relationship with the institution.<ref name="ross-scholarship" /> The scholarship represented a continuation of Ozan's engagement with Michigan Ross, where he had previously been involved in advisory and mentorship roles with the school.
In October 2023, Kevin Ozan made a $3 million gift to the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business to establish an undergraduate scholarship program. The gift, made by Ozan as a member of the Ross BBA Class of 1985, was designed to support undergraduate students at the business school.<ref name="rossscholarship" /> The scholarship, referred to as the Kevin Ozan Scholarship, represented a significant philanthropic commitment to the institution where Ozan had received his undergraduate business education nearly four decades earlier.


Ozan's philanthropic activity at Michigan Ross also positioned him within a broader tradition of successful business alumni giving back to the institution. The scholarship was designed to benefit future generations of business students, with the endowed funds providing ongoing support for undergraduate education at the school.<ref name="ross-scholarship" />
The University of Michigan's Ross School of Business highlighted Ozan's career at McDonald's Corporation and his role as former Chief Financial Officer in announcing the scholarship gift. The $3 million endowment was structured to provide ongoing financial support to Ross undergraduate students, reflecting Ozan's stated interest in ensuring that talented students have access to the educational opportunities that the Ross School provides.<ref name="rossscholarship" />
 
Ozan's philanthropic engagement with the University of Michigan extends beyond the scholarship gift. His long-standing relationship with the Ross School of Business includes participation in alumni activities and advisory roles, as documented in his profile on the school's website.<ref name="rossprofile" />
 
== Personal Life ==
 
Kevin Ozan is based in [[Chicago]], where McDonald's Corporation maintains its global headquarters. His personal connection to the [[University of Michigan]] has been a consistent theme throughout his public life, as evidenced by his continued involvement with the Ross School of Business and his philanthropic support for undergraduate education at the institution.<ref name="rossscholarship" /> Ozan's professional identity has been closely linked to McDonald's, where he spent the majority of his career, and to the broader Chicago business community.


== Recognition ==
== Recognition ==


Kevin Ozan's tenure as CFO of McDonald's Corporation brought him significant visibility within the corporate finance community. His role in overseeing the financial dimensions of McDonald's turnaround strategy, including the company's refranchising program, technology investments, and capital allocation decisions, positioned him as one of the more prominent CFOs in the consumer and retail sector during his time in the role.
Kevin Ozan's tenure as CFO of McDonald's Corporation placed him among the senior financial leaders of one of the world's largest publicly traded restaurant companies. McDonald's, listed on the [[New York Stock Exchange]] under the ticker symbol MCD, is a component of the [[Dow Jones Industrial Average]] and one of the most widely followed companies by investors and analysts globally.<ref name="prnewswire" />


His January 2019 interview with McKinsey & Company, in which he discussed McDonald's growth strategy and the factors driving the company's renewed financial performance, was widely circulated in business and finance circles.<ref name="mckinsey" /> The interview provided a public-facing articulation of McDonald's financial strategy that drew attention from investors, analysts, and industry observers.
Ozan's work at McDonald's was recognized by the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, which featured him prominently on its alumni profiles. The school highlighted his appointment as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and his career trajectory within the company.<ref name="rossprofile" /> His 2023 scholarship gift further strengthened his association with the university and served as recognition of his professional accomplishments and commitment to education.<ref name="rossscholarship" />


Ozan's promotion to Senior Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives in 2022 was covered by multiple business and industry publications, including CFO Dive, Restaurant Dive, Nasdaq, and PR Newswire, reflecting the significance of the leadership change at one of the world's largest restaurant companies.<ref name="prnewswire" /><ref name="cfodive" /><ref name="nasdaq" /><ref name="restaurantdive" />
Within the corporate finance community, Ozan's public appearances, including his 2019 interview with McKinsey & Company, positioned him as a thought leader on topics related to corporate growth strategy, financial management in the restaurant industry, and the role of the CFO in driving organizational transformation.<ref name="mckinsey" /> His commentary on McDonald's financial strategy was widely covered by business media outlets and served as a reference point for analysts seeking to understand the company's approach to capital allocation and shareholder value creation.


His $3 million scholarship gift to the University of Michigan Ross School of Business in 2023 was recognized by the university as a major philanthropic contribution, further establishing his profile as a business leader committed to supporting higher education.<ref name="ross-scholarship" />
The leadership transition announced in June 2022, in which Ozan was promoted to Senior Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, was itself a form of recognition by McDonald's executive leadership of his contributions to the company. CEO Chris Kempczinski's decision to create a new senior role for Ozan, rather than having him depart the company upon the appointment of a new CFO, indicated the high regard in which he was held within the organization.<ref name="prnewswire" /><ref name="restaurantdive" />


== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references />


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Kevin Ozan
BornKevin Ozan
BirthplaceUnited States
NationalityAmerican
OccupationBusiness executive, corporate finance leader
TitleSenior Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives (2022)
EmployerMcDonald's Corporation
Known forFormer Chief Financial Officer of McDonald's Corporation
EducationUniversity of Michigan Ross School of Business (BBA, 1985)

Kevin Ozan is an American business executive who served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of McDonald's Corporation, one of the world's largest foodservice companies, from March 2015 until September 2022. Over the course of more than three decades at McDonald's, Ozan played a central role in the company's financial strategy during a period of significant transformation, including the implementation of its "Velocity Growth Plan" and subsequent growth initiatives that helped revitalize the brand's financial performance. In June 2022, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski announced that Ozan would be promoted to the role of Senior Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, where he would lead the company's strategy team and oversee key corporate priorities.[1] A graduate of the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, Ozan has also been recognized for his philanthropic contributions to his alma mater, including a $3 million gift to establish undergraduate scholarships.[2]

Education

Kevin Ozan earned his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business in 1985.[3] His undergraduate education at one of the United States' leading business schools provided a foundation in finance and accounting that would define his subsequent career trajectory. Ozan has maintained a strong connection with the Ross School of Business throughout his professional life, serving in advisory and philanthropic capacities in the years following his graduation. In October 2023, he made a $3 million gift to Michigan Ross to establish an undergraduate scholarship program, underscoring his commitment to supporting future generations of business students at the institution.[2]

Career

Early career at McDonald's

Kevin Ozan built his career within McDonald's Corporation, spending more than three decades at the company in various finance and leadership roles. Over the course of his tenure, he gained extensive experience across the organization's financial operations, rising through the ranks of the corporation's finance department. His long career at a single company allowed him to develop deep institutional knowledge of McDonald's global business model, including its franchise operations, supply chain economics, and international market dynamics.[3]

Chief Financial Officer (2015–2022)

Ozan was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of McDonald's Corporation effective March 2015.[3] His appointment to the CFO role came during a pivotal period for the company, as McDonald's was in the early stages of a significant strategic turnaround under new leadership. The company had been facing declining same-store sales and increased competition from both fast-casual restaurant chains and other quick-service competitors.

In a January 2019 interview with McKinsey & Company, Ozan discussed the company's growth strategy and the factors that contributed to McDonald's return to sustained growth. In the interview, he provided insight into the company's approach to reinvigorating its business, addressing what was working, what was not, and the direction the company was heading.[4] Ozan's tenure as CFO coincided with the rollout and execution of McDonald's "Velocity Growth Plan," a comprehensive strategy that focused on retaining existing customers, regaining lapsed customers, and converting casual customers into more frequent visitors. The plan also included substantial investments in digital ordering, delivery partnerships, restaurant modernization through the "Experience of the Future" redesign initiative, and menu innovation.

As CFO, Ozan was responsible for overseeing the financial dimensions of these strategic initiatives, including capital allocation decisions, cost management, and communication with investors and analysts on Wall Street. He served as a key spokesperson for McDonald's financial performance during quarterly earnings calls and investor presentations, providing detailed commentary on the company's revenue trends, margin performance, and return of capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

Ozan's financial leadership also encompassed the management of McDonald's global refranchising strategy, through which the company converted a significant number of company-operated restaurants to franchised operations. This strategic shift was designed to create a more asset-light business model, reduce operational complexity, and improve the company's overall return on invested capital. The refranchising effort had substantial implications for the company's financial statements, affecting revenue recognition, operating margins, and capital expenditure levels.

During Ozan's years as CFO, McDonald's experienced a notable improvement in its financial performance. The company reported growth in comparable sales across its major market segments, and its stock price reflected the market's confidence in the turnaround strategy. Ozan played a central role in translating the company's operational improvements into financial results that met or exceeded investor expectations.

Promotion to Senior Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives (2022)

On June 27, 2022, McDonald's Corporation announced a series of leadership changes that included the promotion of Kevin Ozan from the CFO role to the newly created position of Senior Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives.[1] In this new capacity, Ozan was tasked with leading the company's strategy team and overseeing key corporate functions and strategic priorities. The announcement was made by McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski in a message to the McDonald's Global System.[1]

As part of the same leadership restructuring, Ian Borden, who had served as President of McDonald's International, was named as Ozan's successor in the CFO role, effective September 1, 2022. Borden, a 28-year veteran of the company, brought extensive international operational experience to the finance leadership position.[5] Additionally, Marion Gross was promoted to the role of Global Chief Supply Chain Officer as part of the same announcement.[1]

The creation of the Senior Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives role for Ozan reflected McDonald's recognition of his deep knowledge of the company's operations and his ability to contribute to high-level strategic planning beyond the traditional scope of financial management. In this position, Ozan was expected to play a significant role in shaping the company's long-term direction, including its approach to digital transformation, restaurant development, and market expansion.[6]

Multiple industry publications covered the leadership transition. Nasdaq reported on the appointment of Ian Borden as Ozan's successor, noting the broader context of the leadership changes within the McDonald's executive team.[7] CFO Dive characterized the transition as part of a broader leadership shuffle at the fast-food chain, emphasizing Borden's nearly three decades of experience at the company.[5] Restaurant Dive noted that in his new role, Ozan would lead the strategy team and drive key corporate initiatives, suggesting that the company valued his strategic perspective beyond his financial expertise.[6]

Views on McDonald's Growth Strategy

In his 2019 interview with McKinsey & Company, Ozan offered a detailed perspective on the factors underpinning McDonald's return to growth after a period of stagnation. He discussed the importance of taking "fast action" to address the company's competitive challenges, a theme that resonated with the company's identity as a fast-food leader. The interview explored topics including the company's approach to menu innovation, digital technology adoption, and the role of the franchise model in driving performance improvements at the restaurant level.[4]

Ozan's public commentary during his tenure as CFO provided insight into the financial philosophy that guided McDonald's strategic investments. He emphasized the importance of balancing near-term financial performance with longer-term investments in the customer experience, technology infrastructure, and brand positioning. His approach reflected a focus on disciplined capital allocation, ensuring that the company's significant investment spending generated measurable returns for shareholders while also strengthening the business for future growth.

Philanthropy

University of Michigan Ross School of Business

In October 2023, Kevin Ozan made a $3 million gift to the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business to establish an undergraduate scholarship program. The gift, made by Ozan as a member of the Ross BBA Class of 1985, was designed to support undergraduate students at the business school.[2] The scholarship, referred to as the Kevin Ozan Scholarship, represented a significant philanthropic commitment to the institution where Ozan had received his undergraduate business education nearly four decades earlier.

The University of Michigan's Ross School of Business highlighted Ozan's career at McDonald's Corporation and his role as former Chief Financial Officer in announcing the scholarship gift. The $3 million endowment was structured to provide ongoing financial support to Ross undergraduate students, reflecting Ozan's stated interest in ensuring that talented students have access to the educational opportunities that the Ross School provides.[2]

Ozan's philanthropic engagement with the University of Michigan extends beyond the scholarship gift. His long-standing relationship with the Ross School of Business includes participation in alumni activities and advisory roles, as documented in his profile on the school's website.[3]

Personal Life

Kevin Ozan is based in Chicago, where McDonald's Corporation maintains its global headquarters. His personal connection to the University of Michigan has been a consistent theme throughout his public life, as evidenced by his continued involvement with the Ross School of Business and his philanthropic support for undergraduate education at the institution.[2] Ozan's professional identity has been closely linked to McDonald's, where he spent the majority of his career, and to the broader Chicago business community.

Recognition

Kevin Ozan's tenure as CFO of McDonald's Corporation placed him among the senior financial leaders of one of the world's largest publicly traded restaurant companies. McDonald's, listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MCD, is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and one of the most widely followed companies by investors and analysts globally.[1]

Ozan's work at McDonald's was recognized by the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, which featured him prominently on its alumni profiles. The school highlighted his appointment as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and his career trajectory within the company.[3] His 2023 scholarship gift further strengthened his association with the university and served as recognition of his professional accomplishments and commitment to education.[2]

Within the corporate finance community, Ozan's public appearances, including his 2019 interview with McKinsey & Company, positioned him as a thought leader on topics related to corporate growth strategy, financial management in the restaurant industry, and the role of the CFO in driving organizational transformation.[4] His commentary on McDonald's financial strategy was widely covered by business media outlets and served as a reference point for analysts seeking to understand the company's approach to capital allocation and shareholder value creation.

The leadership transition announced in June 2022, in which Ozan was promoted to Senior Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, was itself a form of recognition by McDonald's executive leadership of his contributions to the company. CEO Chris Kempczinski's decision to create a new senior role for Ozan, rather than having him depart the company upon the appointment of a new CFO, indicated the high regard in which he was held within the organization.[1][6]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "McDonald's Promotes Kevin Ozan to Senior Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Ian Borden to Chief Financial Officer and Marion Gross to Global Chief Supply Chain Officer".PR Newswire.June 27, 2022.https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mcdonalds-promotes-kevin-ozan-to-senior-executive-vice-president-strategic-initiatives-ian-borden-to-chief-financial-officer-and-marion-gross-to-global-chief-supply-chain-officer-301575637.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Kevin Ozan, BBA '85, Establishes $3M Undergrad Scholarship at Ross".University of Michigan Ross School of Business.October 10, 2023.https://michiganross.umich.edu/news/kevin-ozan-bba-85-establishes-3m-undergrad-scholarship-ross.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Kevin Ozan".University of Michigan Ross School of Business.March 27, 2021.https://michiganross.umich.edu/about/profile/kevin-ozan.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 "'Fast action' in fast food: McDonald's CFO on why the company is growing again".McKinsey & Company.January 8, 2019.https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/fast-action-in-fast-food-mcdonalds-cfo-on-why-the-company-is-growing-again.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. 5.0 5.1 "McDonald's international president to take on CFO role".CFO Dive.June 27, 2022.https://www.cfodive.com/news/mcdonalds-international-president-to-take-on-cfo-role/626151/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 "McDonald's names new CFO, global chief supply chain officer".Restaurant Dive.June 27, 2022.https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/mcdonalds-names-new-cfo-global-supply-chain-officer/626104/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. "McDonald's Appoints Ian Borden To Succeed Kevin Ozan As CFO".Nasdaq.June 27, 2022.https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/mcdonalds-appoints-ian-borden-to-succeed-kevin-ozan-as-cfo.Retrieved 2026-02-24.