Light – Head of Global Business Research @ McDonalds.

McDonald’s chief marketing officer Larry Light today announced the appointment of Eric Leininger as head of the company’s Global Business Research.

“Eric will lead our charge to become a company that continually listens to and learns from our customers as we strive to be their favorite place and way to eat,” said Light.

Leininger previously worked for Kraft Foods North America, as Senior Vice President, Marketing Services, ensuring world-class consumer insight, advertising, marketing and promotions for more than 100 major food brands. He joined Kraft in 1993 and held a variety of marketing and sales research positions.

Leininger has 23 years of industry experience including working at ACNielsen and Quaker Oats.

Leininger is a member of the Board of Directors of the Ad Council and the Association of National Advertisers. He also sits on the Board of Trustees for the National 4-H Council, serving as chair of the marketing committee. He is also the former co-chair of the Council for Marketing and Opinion Research.