CHICAGO Jan 16, 2005 — Charlie Bell, who began his McDonald's Corp. career as a part-time worker in a suburban Sydney restaurant and later became chief executive of the fast-food icon, died early Monday in his native Australia. He was 44.
Bell was diagnosed with cancer last May, only a month after ascending to the top job. He left the fast food-giant in November, after several rounds of treatment. McDonald's announced his death Sunday evening.
"Charlie Bell gave his all to McDonald's," said Andrew J. McKenna, chairman of the company's board. "Even during his hospitalization and chemotherapy, Charlie led this company with pride and determination."
Bell was replaced as CEO by Jim Skinner, the Oak Brook, Ill.-based company's third CEO in a year. Bell was chosen to replace former chief James Cantalupo, who died of a heart attack in April 2004.
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