Who: Lloyd Dean, 65, president and CEO of Dignity Health since 2000.
Recent appointment: Board of directors at McDonald's Corp.
Background: Dean also serves on the boards of Wells Fargo & Co. and Navigant Consulting. McDonald's has been criticized for having an insular board and a fattening menu, but public health experts hope the appointment may signal that the fast-food giant is moving in a healthier direction. Dean wasn't available for an interview.
A voice for wellness in the boardroom: “I would rather have him at the table as a voice for positive change rather than standing on the outside talking about the things that should be done,” said Leonard Friedman, a professor at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University, and director of the school's Master of Health Services Administration program. “I think having him on the board presents a good opportunity.”
Dignity's take: The San Francisco-based health system serves many underserved populations that suffer from high rates of chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. “Knowing the vitally important role that nutrition plays in overall health and disease management, Mr. Dean's guidance and insight will have a positive impact on communities across the U.S. in this governance role at McDonald's,” Dignity said in a written statement.