Eugene Lee, international chief marketing officer of McDonald's, has stepped down after 15 years with the fast food chain.

He joined the company in 2009 as a senior marketing executive and quickly rose through the ranks. He was made regional director of marketing and menu for Asia in 2020 and regional CMO for Asia in 2021.

In May 2023, Lee was named international CMO, a role he has held till today. 

"After 15-years with McDonald’s, it’s never easy to say goodbye to a brand that has been such an integral part of my professional and personal life," said Lee in a LinkedIn post.

He added that he still remembers his very first campaign as a marketing executive which was the 2009 Coke Glasses campaign and the excitement of seeing customers lining up for it at the restaurants.

"Who would have thought this Malaysian would eventually end up leading marketing for 80 over markets across the globe, spanning Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia as international CMO," he said. 

"But it’s time to step out of my comfort zone and explore a world beyond the golden arches, using the skills I’ve learnt at this amazing brand to build amazing new things," Lee added. "When I reflect on my time with the brand, I realize that it’s the genuine relationships I’ve built with my teams that I’ll miss the most."

He added that he is very excited for the future and where the road will take him. 

Prior to his stint at McDonald's, Lee was with The Souled Out Group for two years as its senior marketing executive.