Fast food giant McDonald's appointed President Barack Obama's former press secretary and senior campaign advisor to a top role Tuesday as it attempts a multi-pronged turnaround.
Robert Gibbs will take over as Executive Vice President, Global Chief Communications Officer, replacing Bridget Coffing who announced her retirement this year after three decades with the restaurant.
Immediately prior to joining McDonald's, Gibbs worked at The Incite Agency, a strategic communications advisory firm he co-founded in 2013. Before that, he was in several senior advisory roles in the White House. Gibvbs served as President Obama's press secretary during his first term and as senior campaign advisor during his re-election campaign.
Gibbs has his work cut out for him — since McDonald's is the largest fast food chain, groups advocating for wage reform and better-quality fast food often focus on trying to implement change at the company.
McDonald's also announced the appointment of a new chief marketing officer.