"After more than 30 years in the restaurant industry, the past 15 with this great brand McDonald's, I've decided to retire," Alvarez said. "Seven orthopedic surgeries and years of chronic pain culminating in two total knee replacements in the past six months have made me realize it's time to move on."
Alvarez' retirement is effective December 31, 2009. He has also decided to resign as a member of the McDonald's Board of Directors.