McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski is embracing artificial intelligence, not just to streamline operations and potentially revamp the menu, but also in his personal life. The executive, who describes himself as a “supersubscriber to every AI tool out there,” is leveraging the technology for tasks ranging from crafting family Christmas cards to exploring potential menu innovations.
Kempczinski’s personal use of AI came to light through an Instagram reel where he detailed using Google Gemini’s Nano Banana image generator to create this year’s family Christmas card. Faced with the logistical challenge of geographically dispersed children and an uncooperative dog, Kempczinski uploaded individual photos and prompted the AI to assemble a festive scene featuring the family in front of the Rockefeller Christmas tree in New York City.
However, Kempczinski’s interest in AI extends far beyond personal convenience. He is actively exploring how the technology can enhance McDonald’s menu and overall customer experience. According to Kempczinski, he has tasked Gemini with analyzing global food trends and comparing them to the current McDonald’s offerings to identify potential “menu innovation” opportunities suitable for limited-time offerings in the U.S.
The AI’s suggestions included experimenting with McRib Nuggets and introducing more Korean-inspired sauces for nuggets, and burgers. While Kempczinski emphasized that these are merely suggestions presented to the menu development team – “maybe nothing” will come of them – the exercise demonstrates a proactive approach to leveraging AI for product development.
This push for AI integration isn’t limited to menu items. Kempczinski envisions a future where AI personalizes the McDonald’s experience for each customer. He highlighted the potential to utilize the data generated from McDonald’s extensive digital ecosystem – encompassing 150 million customers and up to 70 million daily transactions – to create bespoke menu boards in the drive-thru. “We could show them a menu board that’s bespoke to them,” he told Fortune in 2023. “We become smarter in our ability to figure out what offer they may be getting.”
Kempczinski isn’t alone among corporate leaders in adopting AI tools both professionally and personally. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, utilizes AI to summarize podcast transcripts and engage in conversations about the content during his commute. He also relies on Microsoft Copilot to manage the high volume of emails and messages he receives daily, as detailed in a Bloomberg profile.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has also spoken about his use of his own company’s technology, primarily for tasks like summarizing documents and emails. He also revealed using AI to research parenthood prior to the birth of his son in February 2025, stating in an OpenAI podcast interview that he “don’t know how I would have done that” without it.
McDonald’s, currently the world’s largest fast-food business with approximately 40,000 locations, has seen comparable-store sales grow by 30% during Kempczinski’s four-year tenure as CEO. The company’s stock has also risen by 48%, mirroring the performance of the S&P 500. However, revenue has experienced declines in four of the past six years, and in 2022, it was lower than in 2016. Despite this, McDonald’s continues to expand its global footprint, though net new locations in the U.S. Have remained stagnant for nearly eight years.
The company’s current growth strategy emphasizes a focus on its core product areas – beef, chicken, and coffee – alongside technological advancements and an expanded delivery business. Kempczinski’s embrace of AI signals a commitment to leveraging data and innovation to drive future growth and enhance the customer experience in an increasingly competitive fast-food landscape.
