February 27/Oak Brook, Ill./PRNewswire-FirstCall -- McDonald's Corporation announced that Jose Armario has been appointed group president of McDonald's Canada and Latin America effective immediately. Armario has been president of McDonald's Latin America since 2003.

In his expanded role, Armario will provide management oversight for McDonald's Canada and Latin America, and he will assume responsibility for International Franchising. The president of McDonald's Canada will report directly to Armario.

"Jose is widely recognized as a strong business leader with tremendous dedication to building our brand," said Ralph Alvarez, McDonald's president and chief operating officer. "I'm confident that his in-depth understanding of restaurant operations and appreciation for our international franchising strategy will further drive our business in Canada and Latin America."

Before becoming president of McDonald's Latin America, Armario previously served as the corporation's senior vice president and international relationship partner. He joined McDonald's in 1996. Armario has more than 20 years of broad international experience within the restaurant and retail industries, including work in the U.S., Latin America and Europe. Armario has a Masters Degree in Professional Management from the University of Miami, at which he is director of the International Advisory Board and President's Council.

From the March 3, 2008, Prepared Foods e-Flash