Sandy Rodriguez, well-known for her contributions to the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, made an unexpected move to McDonald’s in 2022. This jump occurred after an unsolicited offer from McDonald’s, which aimed to harness Rodriguez’s expertise in communication.
Rather than feeling daunted by this drastic shift from healthcare to fast food, Rodriguez embraced the challenge. She utilized her solid experience in creating strategic communication plans to strengthen McDonald’s reputation and tackle any underlying issues.
This move startled many in her professional network but also delighted those who were aware of her ability to invoke positive change. For Rodriquez, this career shift meant more than just changing industries; it meant raising the standard for diversity in leadership roles within other firms as well.
Despite initial hesitations, Rodriguez became intrigued by McDonald’s commitment to having a global impact. She realized the potential of slight changes in the company’s operations, given the daily patronage of millions worldwide. Rodriguez believed that adjusting the company’s practices could lead to substantial environmental and societal changes.
Rodriguez quickly rose from the position of VP of U.S. communications to global chief communications officer within a year. Her collaborative efforts with Jon Banner, EVP and global chief impact officer, became a pivotal part of the global impact unit’s mission.
The global impact unit, established in 2020, aims at bettering the world in areas like communications, public policy, diversity, equity & inclusion (DE&I), and more. This unit’s main task is to strategize, create policies, and actively engage with different stakeholders.
McDonald’s has also received praise for its commitment to sustainability, with an ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Rodriguez reassures that despite critics, McDonald’s is unwavering in its commitment to environmental conservation.
In 2021, McDonald’s unveiled a $250 million investment model over five years to increase diversity among its franchise owners. This initiative prompted Rodriguez to emphasize the company’s belief in diversity as a valuable resource, providing more opportunities for all stakeholders.
Inclusive of this initiative, McDonald’s provides a range of resources such as specialized training to equip potential franchise owners. Rodriguez underlines the company’s vision to appreciate diversity, driving growth, encouraging innovation, and maintaining social relevance in the global food market.
