Newell, who joined McDonald’s in 1989, will start on 1 February in the role of global chief brand officer. He is currently senior vice-president and restaurant support officer for McDonald's US West division.
He will be in charge of marketing, menu innovation and consumer insight at the fast food giant.
He fills the role briefly occupied by former UK chief executive Steve Easterbrook. Easterbrook was appointed to the role in May last year, but in November, he moved to head up the chain’s European operations.
Newell joined McDonald’s in 1989 as a field media manager working in its international marketing department.
He left the company for a time and joined Viacom in a senior sales role. He retuned to McDonald's in 2005.
In his new role, he will report to chief operating officer Don Thompson.
This article was first published on marketingmagazine.co.uk.