OAK BROOK, ILL. – McDonald’s Corp. said it will shuffle its global management structure following the retirement of Tim Fenton, chief operating officer, effective Oct. 1.

Mr. Fenton will retain his position during a brief transition period, after which he will become a special advisor to Don Thompson, McDonald’s president and chief executive officer, with a focus on global franchising, restaurant portfolio optimization and other business strategies. Mr. Fenton, who has 41 years of experience with McDonald’s, said health reasons have interfered with the travel demands of his job.

Rather than replace the c.o.o. role, McDonald’s board of directors has approved several reporting structure changes. McDonald’s regional presidents, who are responsible for operations of the fast-food chain’s 35,000 restaurants worldwide, will report directly to Mr. Thompson. Additionally, the company has broadened responsibilities for two leaders. Pete Benson, executive vice-president and chief financial officer, will oversee worldwide supply chain, development and franchising functions. Steve Easterbrook, executive vice-president and global chief brand officer, will assume responsibility for the restaurant solutions group, corporate strategy and the global CSR, sustainability and philanthropy department. As part of the changes, Mr. Benson and Mr. Easterbrook have been named senior executive vice-presidents.