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Fred L. Turner, honorary chairman of McDonald's Corp. and the company's former chief executive, died late Monday night from complications due to pneumonia. He was 80.
After joining McDonald's as one of founder Ray Kroc's first hires in 1956, Turner quickly rose through the corporate ranks, becoming president and chief administrative officer in 1968 and chief executive in 1974. He was elected chairman and CEO in 1977 and served in those roles until 1987.
He remained on McDonald's board of directors until 1990, when he was named senior chairman. He was named honorary chairman in 2004.
Andy McKenna, McDonald's current board chairman, called Turner "a true pioneer." He and several McDonald's executives said Turner's career dedicated to restaurant operations and...