McDonald's CFO Matthew Paull Named 2006 Chicago Executive of the Year; Chicago chapter of the National Investor Relations Institute recognizes exceptional ability to add shareholder value through strategic investor relations

Business Wire, April 20, 2006

CHICAGO -- The Chicago chapter of the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI-Chicago) today announced its 2006 Chicago Executive of the Year: Matthew H. Paull, senior executive vice president and chief financial officer of McDonald's Corp. (NYSE:MCD).

Paull will receive the award on Wednesday, May 17, at a luncheon to be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Fairmont Chicago, 200 N. Columbus Drive, Chicago.

"Our award recognizes executives at Chicago-area public companies who have demonstrated an exceptional ability to add value through strategic investor relations," said Cindy Klimstra, board member of NIRI-Chicago and leader of the judging panel for the award. "At McDonald's, Matthew Paull has been an accomplished leader contributing to the development and execution of the company's revitalization strategy.

"The judges were particularly impressed with Paull's ability to effectively communicate with multiple constituencies - from a variety of investor audiences to McDonald's owner/operators - that offer different viewpoints about McDonald's approach to building shareholder value. He has worked with McDonald's investor relations team to establish new best practices for the company, including expanded reporting of quantitative and qualitative metrics. In addition, Paull helped reshape investor perceptions about McDonald's through disciplined financial management, such as a rigorous capital allocation process that is delivering enhanced returns on incremental invested capital. Through these and other key initiatives, Matthew Paull has provided truly outstanding leadership in the area of investor relations."

"I am honored and humbled to be recognized with this award," Paull said. "One of the most rewarding aspects of McDonald's revitalization over the last few years has been the strength of the alignment between the company, our owner/operators and independent suppliers behind strengthening our connection with customers. I have also been fortunate to have had the opportunity to interact with and learn from these exceptional people as well as our investors. Consistent, regular and transparent communication with these key stakeholders is essential to maintaining trust and alignment - qualitative strengths that foster innovation and help contribute to sales, profits and long-term shareholder returns."

McDonald's promoted Paull to chief financial officer in 2001. In this role, Paull is responsible for all financial matters of the company and has reporting responsibilities for accounting, facilities and systems, information services, investor relations, tax and treasury. Paull is a member of the Board of Directors for Best Buy Co., Inc. Before joining McDonald's in 1993, Paull was a partner at Ernst & Young. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Illinois.

The Chicago Executive of the Year award is one of NIRI-Chicago's flagship programs and has received national commendation since its inception in 2002. Entries for the 2006 award were evaluated by a panel of experts in the field of investor relations, financial communications and finance. Previously, this award was open only to chief financial officers. The investor relations programs at both small-cap and large-cap firms have been recognized in earlier years, including Schawk, Inc., Dade Behring Holdings, Inc., BorgWarner Inc. and Baxter International. More information about the NIRI-Chicago chapter's Chicago Executive of the Year Award is available at http://www.niri-chicago.org/cg/awards/ceya/2006/exec.html.> About McDonald's

McDonald's is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than 30,000 local restaurants in more than 100 countries. Approximately 70 percent of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent, local businessmen and women. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com.

About the National Investor Relations Institute

NIRI is the professional association of corporate officers and investor relations consultants responsible for communications among corporate management, shareholders, security analysts and other financial publics. NIRI's 4,200 members represent more than 2,100 publicly held companies in the United States. For more information, visit www.niri.org.

About NIRI-Chicago

The Chicago chapter of the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI-Chicago) works to advance the practice of investor relations and meet the growing professional development needs of those engaged in the field. With more than 200 members, NIRI-Chicago is one of the largest NIRI chapters in the United States and received NIRI's Best Overall Large Chapter Award in 2004. For more information, visit www.niri-chicago.org.