OAK BROOK, Ill. – Denis Hennequin is resigning as president of McDonald's Europe effective Nov. 30 to become CEO of the Accor Hotel Group. Hennequin was responsible for more than 6,800 McDonald's restaurants in 39 European countries, which generated $9.3 billion in revenues for McDonald's in 2009.

"Denis' leadership made a tangible difference in our key segment of Europe," said Jim Skinner, McDonald's CEO. "The European team's dedication to our Plan to Win business strategy elevated the restaurant experience for our customers. We wish Denis well in his new role at Accor."


"We appreciate Denis' energy and passion for our brand," said Don Thompson, McDonald's president and COO. "Our customers and our crew in Europe will continue to benefit from the momentum he helped to drive."

Hennequin started with McDonald's in 1984 as an assistant store manager, assuming various responsibilities in field service. In 1996, he was appointed president and managing director for McDonald's France, and was subsequently appointed as executive vice president for McDonald's Europe before becoming president in 2005.

A succession plan for McDonald's Europe is in place and a new leader will be named in the near future, Skinner said.