Jim Cantalupo, chief executive and chairman of fast-food chain McDonald's, has died of an apparent heart attack.
The company said that 60-year-old Mr Cantalupo had been attending a meeting of franchise owners in Orlando, Florida when he was taken ill.
In a statement, McDonald's said Mr Cantalupo was "a brilliant man, who brought tremendous leadership, energy and passion to his job".
"He made an indelible mark on McDonald's system," it added.
Healthier options
The company has been undergoing a restructuring as it tries to revive sales amid criticism that its food is too high in fats, sugars and salt.
The worries are that perhaps there may not be a strong number two
Demand also was hit by mad-cow disease, which put many consumers off eating meat.
Under Mr Cantalupo's leadership McDonald's recently revised its menu, offering healthier options such as salads and fresh fruit.