Fred Turner, Founder of McDonald’s Hamburger University, Dies at 80

By JORDAN BRANDES Fred Turner, former CEO of McDonald's and the founder of Hamburger University, died this Monday from complications with pneumonia. "Fred was a true pioneer and shaped the quick service restaurant industry. We will remember his leadership, passion and dedication to McDonald's, our customers and our people," said Andy McKenna, chairman of McDonald's board of directors in a statement. The company grew significantly under Turner’s leadership, tripling the number of restaurants in the franchise. In 1961 Turner created Hamburger University at the franchise’s corporate office in Oakbrook, Illinois. The campus serves as a training center for managers, franchisees and company employees throughout the country. "Fred's contributions to McDonald's are immeasurable," said Don Thompson, McDonald's president and CEO. "For more than fifty years, he was dedicated to operations excellence, training and developing a great tasting menu. He worked side by side with Ray to open clean, welcoming restaurants where families could enjoy a high quality meal and a special time together. Our more than 34,000 restaurants around the world serve as a testament to Fred's business genius and his strong commitment to our customers. Fred was a dedicated family man, a savvy business leader, and a loyal friend. We will miss him tremendously."