• Ad Age, Monday, September 11, 2006 12:15 PM

Bill Lamar, the popular 22-year McDonald's veteran and Advertising Age's 2004 Marketer of the Year, may retire as early as next year, according to sources close to the situation. That set off speculation about who will take over command of the fast-food giant's 728-million marketing communications budget. Neil Golden, vp-marketing for McDonald's USA, is a leading contender for the job. Other candidates include U.S. marketing vice presidents Peter Sterling and Wendy Cook. Lamar's departure could prove to be a psychological blow to the company, which is still adjusting to former Quaker Foods executive Mary Dillon, who took over evp-global chief marketing officer duties from Larry Light last year. Dillon's collaborative, consensus-building manner stands in stark contrast to Light's rallying cries, results-driven urgency and self-promotional flair. Dillon was hired by Mike Roberts, who stepped down as McDonald's president/COO two weeks ago. Speculation that she would follow Roberts out the door, however, is unfounded, Dillon says. "I have a vision for this brand. It's to be the world's most-admired brand," she says. "The role I'm bringing is long-term vision, long-term strategy."

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