McDonald's Corp. President and Chief Executive Charlie Bell stepped down effective immediately to focus on his cancer treatment, the company said on November 22, 2004. (Reuters)

McDonald's Corp. said on Monday President and Chief Executive Charlie Bell had stepped down to focus on his cancer treatment and that Vice Chairman Jim Skinner would replace him.

The world's largest restaurant chain said Skinner, a 33-year company veteran, would take over immediately as CEO. The company also named McDonald's USA Chief Executive Mike Roberts as president and chief operating officer.

Bell was diagnosed with colon cancer shortly after taking over as chief executive seven months ago, prompting the company to expand Skinner's duties and broaden other McDonald's managers' roles. Bell replaced former CEO Jim Cantalupo, who died suddenly of a heart attack in April.

McDonald's, which two years ago had been struggling with declining sales and poor customer service, was reinvigorated by Cantalupo's plan to improve service and expand its menu with entree-sized salads and other healthier fare.

Despite the uncertainty that has surrounded its top post, the chain's flagship U.S. business has continued to post better-than-expected monthly sales results.

(Agencies)

step down : give up or retire from a position（辭職）

colon : the part of the large intestine between the cecum and the rectum（結(jié)腸）

reinvigorate : impart vigor, strength, or vitality to（使再振興，使復(fù)興）