McDonald's CEO dies of heart attack

Jim Cantalupo, chairman and CEO of fast food giant McDonald's suddenly died on Monday morning at age 60.

According to media reports Cantalupo died of a heart attack in Orlando, Florida, where McDonald's was holding its international owner and operator convention.

Cantalupo was named McDonald's chairman and CEO in January 2003 after a major management shake-up. He had worked for McDonald's for 28 years.

Cantalupo was first appointed to McDonald's board of directors in 1987.

He joined the company as controller in 1974, after eight years with Arthur Young & Company. He was then promoted to vice president in 1975 and senior vice president in 1981.

He was appointed president, McDonald's International in 1987, and president and chief executive officer in 1991.

Under Cantalupo, McDonald's slowed its breakneck expansion pace, closed hundreds of restaurants, and added new menu items.

McDonald's, the world's largest restaurant chain, has more than 30,000 restaurants and more than 400,000 employees.