OAK BROOK, Ill. (AP) -- Jim Cantalupo, chairman and CEO of McDonald's Corp., died early Monday at age 60, according to company officials.
Jim McKenna, presiding director of the hamburger giant's board of directors, said Cantalupo died of a sudden and unexpected heart attack in Orlando, Fla., where McDonald's was holding its international owner and operator convention.
"Our entire McDonald's system mourns this tragic loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with Jim's wife, Joann, and his family. Our deepest sympathies go out to them," McKenna said.
"Jim was a brilliant man who brought tremendous leadership, energy and passion to his job. He made an indelible mark on McDonald's system."
Cantalupo emerged from retirement to be named chairman and CEO in January 2003 after a major management shake-up. He had worked for McDonald's for 28 years.
