Don Thompson

Don Thompson is the founder and CEO of Cleveland Avenue, LLC., a Chicago-based Venture Fund and Accelerator focused on Food, Beverage & Tech businesses.

Mr. Thompson served as CEO of McDonald’s Corporation, from July 1, 2012 to March 1, 2015. Mr. Thompson became President and COO of McDonald's in January 2010. In this capacity, he has directed global strategy and operations for more than 33,000 McDonald's restaurants in 119 countries.

Previously, Mr. Thompson was President of McDonald's USA. In this role, he was responsible for the strategic direction and overall business results of the nearly 14,000 restaurants in the U.S. Mr. Thompson began his career at McDonald's as an electrical engineer in 1990, and has since held a variety of leadership positions including U.S. Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President and Division President.

As a business leader, Thompson serves on the board of directors for the Exelon Corporation, one of the nation's largest electric utilities, and at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He also serves on the board of trustees for Purdue University and is a member of the Executive Leadership Council.

Mr. Thompson has been recognized by many organizations for his leadership in business, the community and as a role model. In 2007,  named Thompson Corporate Executive of the Year. In 2008, he received the Corporate Executive award from the Trumpet foundation. In 2009, he received the presidential inspiration award from Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity incorporated.

Mr. Thompson received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University and has since accepted the Purdue University Outstanding Electrical and Computer Engineering Award along with being named a Purdue University Old Master Fellow in 2006. In 2008, he received an honorary doctorate degree from Excelsior College in Albany, New York. 

A proud family man, Mr. Thompson and his wife Liz have two children and reside in the Chicago area.