McDonald’s Canada Names Annemarie Swijtink as New CEO for 2025
In a strategic leadership shift that signals fresh direction for one of Canada’s most recognizable brands, McDonald’s Canada announced Tuesday that Annemarie Swijtink will take the helm as Chief Executive Officer effective September 1, 2025. Swijtink, who currently serves as the company’s Senior Vice President of Restaurant Development, will succeed Jacques Mignault following his five-year tenure guiding the fast-food giant through pandemic challenges and digital transformation.
The appointment comes as McDonald’s navigates evolving consumer preferences and heightened competition in the quick-service restaurant sector. Swijtink brings over 17 years of experience within the McDonald’s ecosystem, having orchestrated the company’s ambitious restaurant modernization initiative that saw more than 80% of Canadian locations renovated with enhanced digital ordering capabilities and updated dining spaces.
“The Canadian market represents both tremendous opportunity and unique challenges,” Swijtink said in a statement released by McDonald’s corporate office. “I’m honored to build upon the foundation Jacques established while steering our brand toward innovation that resonates with today’s consumers while remaining true to our core values.”
Industry analysts note that Swijtink faces immediate challenges upon assuming leadership. McDonald’s Canada reported a 2.8% same-store sales decline in Q1 2025, reflecting broader economic pressures affecting discretionary spending. The company also continues to navigate rising food costs and labor market tensions that have impacted the entire hospitality sector.
“Swijtink inherits a brand with strong fundamentals but clear operational hurdles,” said Michael Davidson, restaurant industry analyst at RBC Capital Markets. “Her background in strategic development suggests McDonald’s is positioning itself for physical and digital expansion rather than merely maintaining market share.”
The leadership transition arrives as McDonald’s Canada accelerates its sustainability initiatives, having recently pledged to achieve net-zero emissions across its 1,400 Canadian restaurants by 2040. The company also faces growing competition from regional chains and delivery-focused virtual restaurants that gained market share during pandemic disruptions.
Outgoing CEO Mignault expressed confidence in his successor, highlighting Swijtink’s role in developing the brand’s successful “MyMcDonald’s Rewards” loyalty program, which now counts over 7 million active Canadian users. “Annemarie understands both the operational complexities and customer expectations that define success in our industry,” Mignault stated. “Her vision for integrating technology while preserving the human element of our service model positions McDonald’s Canada for sustainable growth.”
Prior to joining McDonald’s, Swijtink held leadership positions at Walmart Canada and Loblaw Companies, bringing retail expertise that complements her restaurant industry experience. She holds an MBA from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and serves on the board of the Retail Council of Canada.
As McDonald’s approaches its 60th anniversary in Canada in 2027, the question remains: can Swijtink’s leadership balance innovation with the familiar comfort that has made those golden arches a Canadian mainstay for generations?
