McDonald's(R) Former CMO William Lamar Inducted Into Advertising Hall of Fame(R)

American Advertising Federation Honors Marketer for Lifetime Achievement

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Mar 25, 2010, 01:26 ET

NEW YORK, March 25 /PRNewswire/ -- William "Bill" Lamar, former Chief Marketing Officer for McDonald's USA, was honored today at the famed Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in Manhattan, with one of the advertising industry's most prestigious awards – the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Advertising Hall of Fame®.

Lamar was one of seven individuals inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame this year. In its 61st year, the Advertising Hall of Fame celebrates the extraordinary men and women who have made significant contributions to advertising and society, and raised the level of professionalism in the industry.

As McDonald's USA Chief Marketing Officer from 2002 to 2007, Lamar was responsible for marketing, consumer insights and new product development for McDonald's nearly 14,000 U.S. restaurants. As a marketing and business strategist and motivator, Lamar's team introduced Americans to Premium Chicken Sandwiches, McGriddles, Snack Wrap, Dollar Menu, increased McDonald's U.S. market-share, and spearheaded the launch of the i'm lovin' it™ global advertising campaign in the U.S.

"I am truly honored to be recognized by the AAF and join the ranks of so many other influential leaders," Lamar said. "In my 24 great years with McDonald's, I've built lifelong relationships that transcend generations. From franchisees and agency partners, to McDonald's senior leadership, all were integral to my success and the success of the company. I'm thankful for the opportunity to promote a brand we all cheer."

"There's no doubt that Bill is a visionary leader. I spent many years watching him and learning from him," said Neil Golden, CMO, McDonald's USA. "His innovative approach and forward-thinking perspective helped build McDonald's into the brand it is today. We are extremely proud of him, and his accomplishments."

Many of Lamar's friends and colleagues attended today's luncheon, including McDonald's Corporation President and Chief Operating Officer, Don Thompson, who co-presented the Hall of Fame award with Bill's son, Andrew; Dean Barrett, McDonald's Senior Vice President, Global Marketing; and Marlena Peleo-Lazar, Vice President and Chief Creative Officer.

"Bill Lamar and the McDonald's U.S. Marketing team have always recognized the value and significance of the agency relationship," said Dick Rogers, North American President, DDB. "As an agency partner, I can honestly say Bill was always a champion for the agencies and, in turn, was dedicated to working collaboratively to support the U.S. plan to win. Bill's spirit of collaboration still resonates on the McDonald's team today."

Lamar is on the Board of Directors for the National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc. in Washington; a former member of the Ad Council and an Alliance for Digital Equality, Board Member in Atlanta, Georgia.

Lamar is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; the Board of Directors of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, and an Advisory Board member, Intellione, Inc. Lamar is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago and the J.L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He is married to Kathy Amos Lamar, a community activist and volunteer. Bill and Kathy have two sons, Brian and Andrew, and reside in Roswell, Ga.

About McDonald's

McDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to more than 26 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local business men and women. Customers can now log online for free at any of the 11,000 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter (@McDonalds) and Facebook (Facebook.com/McDonalds) for updates on our business, promotions and products.