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McDonald’s Stocks Rise As CEO Steps Down

The fast-food giant has been stomaching declining sales throughout CEO Don Thompson’s two-year tenure. He’ll be stepping down March 1.
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The Golden Arches have a new chief executive. McDonald's CEO Don Thompson is stepping down March 1, and chief brand officer Steve Easterbrook will be taking his place.

And that news has stock jumping up after hours for the company, which hasn't inspired a lot of investor confidence lately.

And that news has stock jumping up after hours for the company, which hasn't inspired a lot of investor confidence lately.

"This is great news for a company that needs to shake it up. Talk about somebody that needs a catalyst. This is at least a catalyst for a company that I don’t think is broken," a CNBC analyst said.

The fast food giant has seen slipping same-store sales for the past few years and is currently trying some new things with its marketing.

Since 2012, its sales have struggled against upstart competitors like Chipotle.

Thompson's resignation ends a 25-year run at McDonald's, including the past two years as CEO.

This video includes images from Getty Images.