Former CEO of McDonald's NZ dies

Al Dunn joined McDonald's as a management trainee in Australia, he rose to lead the company on this side of the Tasman, as well as taking an operations role with the McDonald’s global corporate headquarters in Chicago. He eventually became regional vice-president and managing director of McDonald's Nordic region, before retiring in 2007. He also shared his expertise as a board member and consultant to various other organisations, including the St Pierres and Burger Fuel franchises, and established a scholarship programme with AUT over 30 years ago which continues to offer a pathway to tertiary study for young Māori in Te Tai Tokerau and Tairāwhiti.

McDonald’s New Zealand managing director Kylie Freeland said, 'Al's dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on our company and the countless lives he touched along the way.'

At Franchise New Zealand, we remember Al as a man passionate about franchising and the brand he was proud to represent, generous with his time and expertise. He was always approachable, always realistic, and a great communicator. Here are two articles from our archives to which Al made a great contribution:

• Coping with recession
• Sharing the lessons of McDonald's

We send our condolences to Al's wife Lisa and his daughters and stepson.

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