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Mr. Manuel Favela

  • Retired Chief Financial Officer/Entrepreneur
  • McDonald's Corporation

Manny Favela is a results-driven global finance executive and entrepreneur known for leading large-scale business transformations, driving profitable growth in complex markets, and developing high-performing teams. With a career spanning more than three decades, he brings a unique blend of corporate, international, entrepreneurial, and governance experience.

Manny spent over 25 years with McDonald's Corporation, advancing through finance, operations, and international leadership roles before becoming Chief Financial Officer for Latin America. In this role, he oversaw Finance, IT, Franchising, and Development for a 2,200-restaurant region and partnered closely with senior leadership to shape long-term strategic direction.

During his tenure, Manny delivered several high-impact achievements, including:
? Leading the internal approval process for the Arcos Dorados IPO
? Co-architecting the Latin America turnaround, doubling systemwide sales from $1.4B to $3B and improving operating income from ?$62M to $262M
? Helping execute McDonald's largest global transaction?the sale of its Latin America business
? Strengthening financial systems, optimizing franchising structures, and guiding valuation and acquisition strategies across the region

As an entrepreneur, Manny is the Co-Founder of Burrito Parrilla Mexicana, a fast-casual Mexican restaurant brand he helped grow to 11 locations and $20M in annual revenue. His experience blends strategic vision with hands-on operational leadership.

Manny currently serves on multiple boards, chairing and co-chairing audit committees for major institutions such as Northwestern Memorial HealthCare and DePaul University. His board service spans corporate, nonprofit, educational, and cross-border organizations.

A graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago and a CPA, Manny is fluent in English and Spanish and maintains a strong commitment to leadership development, governance excellence, and community impact.

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