McDonald's Chief Sustainability and Social Impact Officer Beth Hart: 4 Things to Know

McDonald's has promoted Beth Hart (pictured above) to chief sustainability and social impact officer. Hart succeeds Jenny McColloch, who is leaving the business. Executive VP Jon Banner announced Hart's promotion and McColloch's departure via LinkedIn.

Here are four things to know about Beth Hart's expertise and experience, and the McDonald's sustainability strategy.

1. Business Scope and Scale: McDonald's, founded in 1940, is based in Chicago, Illinois. The fast food restaurant chain had roughly 41,822 locations and revenue of $25.49 billion in 2023.

2. Sustainability Goals: McDonald's is seeking to achieve net zero by 2050. As of 2023, the company adjusted its 2030 targets to the following:

• 50.4% reduction in our absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions related to our restaurants and offices by the end of 2030, from a 2018 baseline.
• 50.4% reduction in our absolute scope 3 GHG emissions related to facility, logistics and plastic packaging in our supply chain by the end of 2030, from a 2018 baseline.
• 16% reduction in our absolute scope 3 forests, land and agriculture (FLAG) GHG emissions related to beef and chicken farming activity by the end of 2030, from a 2018 baseline.

The overall McDonald's climate action plan is outlined here. Still, some critics allege that the plan falls short on specifics.

3. Beth Hart's Experience and Expertise: Hart previously was VP of supply chain and brand trust since April 2020. In that position, she devised and led the delivery of McDonalds UK&Ireland Brand Trust Strategy -- including a Plan for Change, according to her LinkedIn bio. Earlier, she was supply chain & sustainability director for the UK and Ireland.

4. Executive Perspectives: In a statement posted on LinkedIn, Executive VP and Global Chief Impact Officer Jon Banner wrote: "Today, I am thrilled to share that Beth Hart has been promoted to Chief Sustainability & Social Impact Officer. Five years ago, Beth joined McDonald’s, bringing with her the spoils of an illustrious career that spans 25+ years and covers everything from retail and brand trust to supply chain and sustainable sourcing. She most recently served as International Sustainability & Social Impact Strategy Lead for the IOM markets, leading our cross-functional enterprise and international sustainability and social impact strategies as well as the execution of sustainable packaging strategy. Since joining McDonald’s and our Global Impact team, she has become a trusted, values-driven leader across global and market teams. I have no doubt that she’ll be a fantastic addition to our Global Impact Leadership Team, and I couldn’t be more confident in what’s to come."

Hart, also via LinkedIn, added: "Over the past five years, I’ve had so many incredible opportunities at @McDonald’s – and today, I’m delighted to share the next chapter of my journey under the Arches, as I step into the role of Chief Sustainability & Social Impact Officer. McDonald’s has a long, impactful legacy in this space, and I’m proud to carry the torch forward on this critical work.

As I look toward the future, I want to pause and thank Jenny McColloch whose leadership and commitment to McDonald’s have set a powerful foundation for the work that lies ahead. Jenny, I’m in awe of the incredible team you’ve built around the world – and I’m thrilled to work with them and build on our momentum.

I’m so grateful to my community at McDonald's and the people in my network who have supported my journey along the way. This next chapter is going to be the best yet, and I’m excited to get started."

Meanwhile, Banner also thanked departing CSO Jenny McColloch for her contributions to the business, stating: "... It bittersweet to say farewell to Jenny McColloch, who leaves behind an enduring impact after 12 years at McDonald’s. Jenny, thank you for elevating our vision for sustainability and social impact – it's been an honor to work with you."

McDonald's Chief Sustainability Officer: Why Technology Partners Should Care

By 2027, 25% of Global 2000 companies will have assigned a chief sustainability officer (CSO) responsible for meeting their organization’s ESG goals and making ESG-related IT purchasing decisions, according to IDC.

The bottom line: Technology partners need to extend their sales, marketing, engagement and support strategies to successfully fulfill those CSO customer needs, Sustainable Tech Partner believes.