OAK BROOK, ILL. — Steve Easterbrook, McDonald’s executive vice-president and global chief brand officer, has been named president of McDonald's Europe, effective Dec. 1. He will succeed Denis Hennequin, who is set to resign on Nov. 30 to become chief executive officer of the Accor Hotels Group.

Mr. Easterbrook, previously c.e.o. of McDonald's United Kingdom and president of Europe’s Northern Division, will oversee operations of more than 6,800 McDonald’s restaurants in 39 European countries. In his new role he will report to Don Thompson, president and chief operating officer of McDonald’s Corp.

Mr. Easterbrook is a 16-year McDonald’s veteran with experience in finance, operations, and supply chain. He took over as c.e.o. of the U.K. in April 2006, and added responsibility for Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Ireland in January 2007.

“Steve’s keen knowledge of our business in Europe and his consumer-driven approach to building our brand make him the ideal choice to lead McDonald’s Europe,” Mr. Thompson said. “We are confident that his strong commitment to our customers and to our employees will fuel continued success in Europe.”