In legal documents filed Monday morning, McDonald’s said an internal investigation found that Easterbrook lied about engaging in physical sexual relationships with three employees a year before his firing, and lied and destroyed records to conceal his behavior. McDonald’s cut ties with Easterbrook in November 2019 after the company’s board determined that he had “demonstrated poor judgment” by engaging in a consensual relationship with an employee.
“The lawsuit, filed in state court in Delaware, alleges that Mr. Easterbrook carried on sexual relationships with three McDonald’s employees in the year before his ouster and that he awarded a lucrative batch of shares to one of those employees. McDonald’s said it was seeking to recoup stock options and other compensation that the company last fall allowed Mr. Easterbrook to keep — a package worth more than $40 million, according to Equilar, a compensation consulting firm.” CREDIT — The New York Times
“Until last fall, Mr. Easterbrook, a native of Watford, England, was regarded as something of a savior at McDonald’s. He had worked at the company for nearly two decades before taking its helm in March 2015. The fast-food chain was in a financial slump. Mr. Easterbrook streamlined its businesses, introduced technological innovations like touch-screen ordering and delighted customers by offering all-day breakfasts. The company’s shares roughly doubled during his tenure.”
