Ray Kroc

Raymond Albert Kroc was an American businessman. He purchased the fast food company McDonald's in 1961 and was its CEO from 1967 to 1973. Kroc is credited with the global expansion of McDonald's, turning it into the most successful fast food corporation in the world. Due to the company's growth under Kroc, he has also been referred to as the founder of the McDonald's Corporation.

He built McDonald's Corporation into one of the most successful and most admired companies in the history of the United States. His legacy and actions have had a dramatic influence on hospitality professionals around the world and he is unquestionably an industry pioneer.

Full name: Raymond Albert Kroc

Born: October 5, 1902, Oak Park, Illinois, U.S.

Died: January 14, 1984 (aged 81)

Company: McDonald's