McDonald’s CEO expects to continue momentum in 2009

In an interview with CNBC, McDonald’s CEO Jim Skinner said he expects the chain to perform well in 2009, despite another difficult year economically. “We continue to be able to perform fairly well in this environment, although we perform better in a robust economy like everybody else," he said. “We expect to continue our momentum around the world.” The company will pursue growth internationally, particularly in the BRIC countries – Brazil, Russia, India and China. Skinner said the company has also been adding outlets in the US and ended last year with a net gain of more than 600 restaurants worldwide. The company is on track to complete its roll-out of specialty coffee, which is now present in 7000 outlets. Skinner said it has been well-received and the company was taking its fair share of a huge US coffee market.

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