McDonald’s reshapes board as Penrose retires – The Morning Call

McDonald’s is reshuffling its board of directors, including the departure of a board member who was recently targeted by activist investor Carl Icahn over the way pigs used in the chain’s meals are treated.

Sheila Penrose, who is retiring, was a member of the McDonald’s board for 15 years. She headed the committee on sustainable development and corporate responsibility.

Billionaire Carl Icahn nominated two alternative board candidates earlier this year in an attempt to force changes at the world’s largest burger chain over how it sources the pork used in its bacon cheeseburgers and sausage patties. Icahn sought to dislodge Penrose and Richard Lenny, the former CEO of Hershey.

Shareholders strongly rejected Icahn’s campaign, which received the support of only 1% of the company’s shares. Penrose also received a lot of support from shareholders, as did Lenny.

Chicago-based McDonald’s did not say why Penrose is now retiring, but praised her contributions to the company.

“She helped lead our sustainability efforts and championed the great role McDonald’s plays in communities around the world,” said CEO Chris Kempczynski. “I’m going to miss her.”

In addition to Penrose’s departure, McDonald’s is adding three new board members.

Tony Capuano, CEO of Marriott International; Jennifer Taubert, Executive Vice President and Chairman of Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceuticals; and Amy Weaver, president and chief financial officer of Salesforce, will join the board Oct. 1, one day after Penrose retires.