Announces Executive Team Restructuring to Drive Strategic Growth at Arcos Dorados
Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ARCO), the largest quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain in Latin America and the Caribbean and the world’s largest independent McDonald’s franchisee, has announced a significant leadership transition as it prepares for the next chapter in its growth story. The company’s Board of Directors has appointed Luis Raganato as Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2025. Raganato will succeed long-serving CEO Marcelo Rabach, who has made the decision to step down from the executive role but will remain an active member of Arcos Dorados’ Board of Directors.
The announcement marks the culmination of a carefully planned leadership succession and reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to developing talent from within. Luis Raganato, a veteran of the company with more than three decades of experience, represents a continuation of strategic consistency as well as an evolution in leadership that is expected to drive Arcos Dorados forward into its next phase of expansion, innovation, and operational excellence.
From Crew Member to CEO: A Career Built Within Arcos Dorados
Raganato’s professional journey is emblematic of the values and culture at Arcos Dorados, which emphasize opportunity, performance, and internal growth. He began his career with the company in 1991 as a crew member at a McDonald’s location in the Nuevocentro Shopping Center in Córdoba, Argentina. From these humble beginnings, he steadily climbed the organizational ladder, taking on increasingly significant roles in operations, regional management, and strategic leadership.
By 2019, Raganato had earned the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO), a position in which he played a pivotal role in helping the company navigate and recover from the economic and operational challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership during this tumultuous time not only ensured continuity but also enabled Arcos Dorados to emerge stronger, with an accelerated focus on digital transformation.
“Luis began his career with us over three decades ago, and in that time, he has demonstrated outstanding leadership and vision at every stage of our operations,” said Woods Staton, Executive Chairman of the Board. “As COO, he proved indispensable in helping Arcos Dorados weather the challenges of the global pandemic in 2020. Under his guidance, and in partnership with our ADvance digital team, the company embraced technology and digital innovation in a way that directly contributed to our record-breaking financial performance over the past few years.”
Staton added, “Over the last six years, Luis and Marcelo have worked side-by-side to elevate Arcos Dorados’ presence, performance, and reputation throughout Latin America. Luis understands our culture, our values, and our mission. He is the ideal person to guide the company as we enter a new era of sustainable growth and customer engagement. At the same time, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Marcelo for his 35 years of incredible service. Marcelo is leaving his CEO post with the company in excellent shape, and we are fortunate that he will continue to serve on our Board of Directors.”
A Message from the Incoming CEO
Luis Raganato expressed his appreciation and enthusiasm following the announcement. “I am deeply honored to be entrusted with the opportunity to lead Arcos Dorados as its next CEO. I want to thank Woods and the Board for their confidence in me,” said Raganato. “Our company has evolved into Latin America and the Caribbean’s premier quick-service restaurant operator, and yet I believe our best days are still ahead. I am committed to building on our momentum and unlocking further value for our customers, employees, franchisees, shareholders, and all stakeholders.”
Reflecting on his long-standing collaboration with outgoing CEO Marcelo Rabach, Raganato added, “Marcelo and I have worked closely together for more than a decade—first when I was President of the Caribbean Division and he was COO, and then during the last six years as I served as COO. Our collaboration was central to defining and executing Arcos Dorados’ long-term strategy, and I intend to carry that vision forward with passion, focus, and integrity.”
Raganato’s academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Instituto Aeronáutico de Argentina, a master’s degree in marketing and business development from Escuela Superior de Estudios de Marketing de Madrid, and an MBA from Universidad de Piura in Peru.
Carlos Gonzalez to Step In as New Chief Operating Officer
Alongside the CEO transition, Arcos Dorados has also announced the appointment of Carlos Gonzalez as the new Chief Operating Officer, also effective July 1, 2025. Gonzalez currently serves as President of the South Latin American Division, a role in which he has delivered consistent results and driven operational improvements across key markets.
Gonzalez brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having joined McDonald’s Chile in 2000 after beginning his career in the financial and automotive industries. Over the past two decades, he has taken on several leadership positions within the company, including a 13-year tenure as Managing Director for Chile, where he was instrumental in strengthening brand performance, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction.
“Carlos has been an exceptional leader within our organization and has demonstrated time and again his ability to drive results, foster innovation, and inspire teams,” said Raganato. “I have great confidence in his ability to step into the COO role and continue the operational momentum we’ve built across our diverse markets.”
Gonzalez holds a degree in public administration from the University of Chile (1989), as well as postgraduate certifications in marketing and management. He also earned a master’s degree in business management from Adolfo Ibáñez University in Santiago, Chile.
