Speaker: Don Thompson

Don Thompson is the Founder and CEO of Cleveland Avenue and the former President and CEO of McDonald’s Corporation. Retiring in 2015 after a 25-year career with the Golden Arches, Thompson and his wife, Liz, formed Cleveland Avenue, LLC and the Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education (The CAFE). Bringing together global restaurant expertise, a passion for consumer innovation, and a deep respect for entrepreneurs, Thompson and the Cleveland Avenue team are investing in and accelerating the growth of emerging restaurant, food and beverage brands. Constantly giving back, Thompson is a member of numerous civic and community organizations throughout the city of Chicago. He is a member of the Executive Leadership Council, the Commercial and Economic Clubs of Chicago, Business Council, World Business Chicago and the Arthur M. Brazier Foundation. He serves as a Trustee on the boards of the Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education, Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Purdue University. Thompson also serves on the boards of The Northern Trust Corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited, Beyond Meat and as an Advisory Board member of DocuSign, Inc. Thompson previously served as a Director on the Exelon Board from 2006-2012 and the McDonald’s Corporation Board from 2011-2015. Thompson received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University and an Honorary Doctorate degree in Science from Excelsior College.