New York, New York, Wednesday, April 30, 2025:- Dario Baroni has been appointed as the new President of McDonald’s International Developmental Licensed Markets (IDL), effective June 1, 2025. In this capacity, Baroni will oversee operations in more than 75 markets where McDonald’s has strategically licensed its franchising rights. He will collaborate closely with over 40 developmental licensees, collectively managing a global presence of more than 19,000 restaurants.
Key Attributes and Strategic Vision
- Insight-Driven Leadership: Baroni firmly believes in making informed decisions based on thorough insights. He plans to engage extensively with market teams to develop a holistic understanding of the company’s operations, enabling tailored strategies that effectively meet market-specific needs and drive performance.
- Cultural and Business Adaptability: Excited by the geographic diversity of his new role, Baroni aims to deepen his understanding of the various cultures and business models employed across the IDL markets. By studying successful approaches to joint ventures and operational strategies, he intends to incorporate best practices to benefit McDonald’s global operations.
- Change Agent: Baroni’s career demonstrates an exceptional capacity to adapt and excel amidst change. With an academic background in Chemical Engineering, his professional journey includes pivotal roles at Procter & Gamble, Vodafone, and McDonald’s Italy, where he successfully transitioned from technical roles into impactful marketing and leadership positions.
- Community Commitment: Baroni is deeply committed to social responsibility, actively engaging in initiatives such as Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and local food donation programs. He has promoted partnerships with regional farmers to support local agriculture, integrating sustainable practices into McDonald’s menu offerings. His community-oriented initiatives have significantly impacted many regions, especially during critical times such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leadership Endorsement
Chris Kempczinski, McDonald’s CEO, stated:
“Dario has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to innovation and growth. His collaborative spirit and ability to foster strong partnerships across all facets of our business will drive continued success within the IDL segment.”
Dario Baroni expressed:
“I am honored to take on the role of President, International Developmental Licensed Markets. My focus will be to leverage the strengths of our global partnerships to drive innovation, operational efficiency, and market expansion, delivering outstanding value to our customers.”
Career Milestones
McDonald’s Corporation (2016-2025)
- Senior Vice President, International Operated Markets Business Unit (2024-2025)
- Managing Director, McDonald’s Italy (2021-2024)
- Vice President Brand and Customer Experience, McDonald’s Italy (2020-2021)
- Regional Director of Operations, McDonald’s Italy (2019-2020)
- Chief Marketing Officer, McDonald’s Italy (2016-2019)
Vodafone Italy (2014-2016)
- Marketing Director, Consumer Business Unit
- Head of Prepaid Mobile
Procter & Gamble (2002-2014)
- Senior Brand Manager, Laundry Detergents and Additives WE
- Brand Manager, Gillette
- Manager, Shopper Marketing
- Assistant Brand Manager, Home Care Italy
- Group Leader, Research and Development
Key Achievements
- Successfully led the International Operated Markets Business Unit (IOMBU) to consistent sales growth.
- Spearheaded transformative initiatives as Chief Marketing Officer at McDonald’s Italy, including menu simplification, the launch of McDelivery, and advanced digital and CRM strategies, significantly enhancing operations and customer satisfaction.
Education
- Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, Università di Pisa
Personal Insights
- Originating from Tuscany, Baroni has professional experience in Belgium, Italy, Britain, and Switzerland, and is relocating to the U.S. for his new role.
- Enjoys skiing, tennis, and has a passion for reading across various genres.
- Recognized as fifth on Forbes Italy’s list of top 100 business leaders in 2021.
- Favorite McDonald’s menu item: McCrispy with Fries.
