Mary Dillon, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer of McDonald's

I can honestly say that this blog has taught me more than any college course ever could. I have had the opportunity to speak with several “C-Level” executives who have given me such valuable advice on my future endeavors based on what has made them so successful. Ms. Mary Dillon, the Global Chief Marketing Officer for McDonald’s, was no exception. Her bright and positive attitude combined with her humble advice proved that working for a company you believe in is a truly unbeatable experience. I am extremely grateful for our interview!

As McDonald's Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer, Mary Dillon leads the company's worldwide marketing efforts and global brand strategy across 118 countries.

Her areas of focus include ongoing innovation in marketing planning and execution, brand evolution and creative strategy, children's well-being initiatives, global sports alliances and marketing talent development.

Since joining McDonald's in the fall of 2005, Dillon has prioritized the use of consumer-based insights and research to drive marketing strategy. Among her accomplishments, Dillon has increased marketing effectiveness through greater diversification of media mix and use of tools to improve return on marketing spend. In addition, she has directed innovative strategies in the area of children's well-being, including formation of the company's first Global Moms Advisory Panel. Dillon also oversees the holistic activation of the company's entertainment and sports properties and has played a lead role in McDonald's Olympic partnership initiatives.

Prior to joining McDonald's, Dillon was President of the Quaker Foods division of PepsiCo Corporation. She began her career in Marketing for Quaker Oats in 1984 and held positions of increasing responsibility across several food and beverage categories, including serving as the VP-Marketing for Gatorade.

A native of Chicago, Dillon earned a bachelor's degree in Marketing and Asian Studies at the University of Illinois. In 2006, she was named to the Wall Street Journal's "Top 50 Women to Watch" list and in 2008 was named one of Ad Age's "Marketing Power Players." She is on the Board of Directors of the Target Corporation and NorthShore University Health Care System.

Dillon and her husband Terry live with their four children in the Chicago suburbs.

We discussed the following questions:

What has made you successful in your career?

Ms. Dillon said, “I think for me, the things that have best helped me to achieve what I want is a combination of work ethic and personal ethic.” She further explained that she works very hard and is constantly looking for ways to build (McDonald’s) business. She encourages readers to explore why a company is doing with well or poorly, and learn from that. “What’s right for the business and also for the people”, is another statement that Ms. Dillon continues to live by. “I am lucky that I work for a company I adore. I feel good about working for this company.” She continued to say that McDonald’s is a global brand with strong values who cares about the community as well as their employees. We also discussed a topic that I believe many people, whether in the work force or in college, struggle with… a healthy balance. Ms. Dillon believes that it is extremely important to figure out how to maintain a balance between business and personal life and I completely agree. She explained that without a good balance it is hard to be successful in both aspects.

What was your first job out of college and how does that experience relate to your current position?

Even before graduation, Ms. Dillon found herself continually learning from her college, waitressing job. “I learned about people and how to treat them in a service environment.” She learned that it is “critical” to treat everyone you encounter in a respectful way. After graduation she continued her learning experiences with each position she held, taking what she learned and applying them to new positions. She believes that this is what helped her move rapidly up the ladder of success.

What advice would you give to graduating seniors?

“Be aggressive, be yourself, distinguish yourself from others, and be confident yet humble.” She explained that in today’s environment is it tremendously important to work hard to differentiate yourself from others. Show a company what you can do for them, and why you would be the best person for that job.

Thank you so much, Ms. Dillon, for your kind words and encouraging advice. It was an absolute pleasure speaking with you, best of luck with everything!