McDonald's CEO has stepped down after having a relationship with an employee that violated company policy.
After almost five years at the corporation's helm, Steve Easterbrook acknowledged the affair in an email to workers, adding that it was a mistake.
The fast food giant said on Sunday that the former president and CEO had demonstrated poor judgment after voting to remove him.
McDonald's forbids managers from having romantic relationships with direct or indirect employees.
"Given the values of the company, I agree with the board that it is time for me to move on," Mr Easterbrook wrote to employees.
McDonald's board of directors voted on Mr Easterbrook's departure on Friday after conducting a thorough review.
Details of his separation package will be released on Monday in a federal filing, according to a company spokesperson.
The board of directors named Chris Kempczinski, who recently served as president of McDonald's USA, as its new president and CEO.
Mr Kempczinski was instrumental in the development of McDonald's strategic plan and oversaw the most comprehensive transformation of the US business in McDonald's history, said Enrique Hernandez, chairman of McDonald's board, in a statement.
"Steve brought me into McDonald's and he was a patient and helpful mentor," Mr Kempczinski said, thanking him for his contributions.
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