Charlie Bell: McDonald's CEO Dies at 44

Charlie Bell was an Australian businessman who became chief executive of McDonald's Corporation. Born on November 7, 1960, in Kingsford, Sydney, he joined McDonald's at age 15 as a restaurant crew member in 1976.

Bell rose to managing director of McDonald's Australia and became president of McDonald's Europe and later the company's chief operating officer. He was named CEO in April 2004, becoming its first non-American and youngest chief executive. He oversaw healthier menu options and the rollout of McCafe.

Bell was diagnosed with colorectal cancer shortly after taking the top job and stepped down in November 2004. He died at his home in Sydney on January 17, 2005, at age 44. He was married to Leonie and had a son, Alex, and he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2005.

Achievements: CEO of McDonald's (2004), Officer of the Order of Australia (2005).

Birth: November 7, 1960 - Kingsford, Sydney, Australia.

Profession: Business executive.

Interesting Facts: He started in the company as a crew member flipping burgers.