AUBURN, Ala. — Former Obama Press Secretary and Alabama native Robert Gibbs has officially joined fast-food giant McDonald’s as their global chief communications officer and spokesman, according to an announcement by the corporation Tuesday.
McDonald’s CEO Steve Easterbrook called Gibbs a “highly-respected, talented leader who will bring a wealth of experience and outside perspective to McDonald’s as we build a more modern, progressive burger company. Returning excitement to our business proposition and brand is foundational to our turnaround plan, and Robert… will play critical role in bringing this strategy to life.”
Born in Auburn and an alumnus of Auburn High School, Gibbs later attended North Carolina State University where he earned a degree in political science. He was President Obama’s first press secretary, after serving as communications director for the campaign, where he was widely viewed as Obama’s closest confidant. Gibbs held the highly-visible post in the White House for more than two years before leaving to launch his own communications firm. He’ll now be putting his talents to use for the world’s largest fast food chain.
A White House reporter for a French-based publication on Tuesday jokingly asked current White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest if anyone had told First Lady Michelle Obama that Gibbs had joined McDonald’s. Gibbs had previously been one of the most vocal advocates for Mrs. Obama’s healthy eating initiatives.
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— Elizabeth BeShears (@LizEBeesh) January 21, 2015
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