Foodservice giant McDonald’s announced that it has hired Reginald J. Miller as its new Vice President and Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. Miller is a veteran diversity and inclusion executive, having held D&I leadership positions with several major US companies.

Miller joins McDonald’s from branded lifestyle apparel, footwear and accessories company VF Corporation, where he served as Vice President, Global Inclusion & Diversity, a role that was filled this week by Lauren Guthrie, following Miller’s departure. While at VF, he developed the company’s award-winning formal diversity and inclusion strategy that led to the company being named to Forbes’ 2020 Best Employers for Diversity list. Prior to joining VF, Miller was Director, Diversity Strategy and Support for retail giant Walmart, and he has also held a variety of supply chain, merchandising, international project management and human resources positions with companies including Sam’s Club and Tyson Foods.

According to the company, Miller’s first job in high school was at a McDonald’s. In the statement welcoming Miller to his new position, the company stated:

“Although Reggie has worked for several Fortune 250 companies, it all began with his first job in high school: McDonald’s! Reggie believes his time as a shift manager at McDonald’s was the beginning of his leadership journey, and that time shaped his perspective on servant leadership and inclusion.”

In a social media post welcoming Miller, McDonald’s EVP and Global Chief People Officer Heidi Capozzi wrote:

“In order to move forward, we must move away from the notion that the responsibility of diversity lies with one person, one department or one group. It’s not solely the job of those with “diversity” in their titles. Reggie will provide the leadership & guidance to support our collective ambition while empowering our business with the tools, resources & support so that every person at McD’s can play an active role in advancing DEI. Welcome to the McFamily, Reggie!”

Miller’s appointment follows other recent sustainability-related hires at McDonald’s. The company recently announced that it launched a new Global Impact Team, to be led by newly appointed EVP and Chief Global Impact Officer Katie Beirne Fallon. The new team aims to harness and direct the full strength of McDonald’s ongoing efforts to affect positive change around the world.