Townsend Bailey

Director of Sustainability, McDonald’s Corporation

Townsend Bailey leads sustainability strategy for McDonald’s North American markets. In this role, he supports McDonald’s US and Canadian businesses as they leverage the size and scale of their supply chains and 15,000+ restaurants to positively impact issues important for people, animals and the planet. By collaborating with product leads, communicators, suppliers, industry, and NGOs, Townsend and his team drive sustainability strategy and integration across McDonald’s markets’ supply chains and operations from farm to restaurant.

Townsend joined McDonald’s in 2011 as Global Sustainability Manager. Since then, he has worked extensively with the company’s beef, coffee, and packaging supply chains to integrate sustainability practices into McDonald’s business.  He has also served as the Global Lead for Packaging and Happy Meal premiums in McDonald’s supply chain. 

Before joining McDonald’s, Townsend worked as a consultant helping Atlanta’s Mayor Shirley Franklin establish Atlanta’s Office of Sustainability and engaging diverse stakeholders to advance public policy for a more sustainable Atlanta.

Townsend started his career as a high school teacher and coach. He holds a BA in classical studies from Villanova University, a Master of Education from the University of Notre Dame, and an MBA from Georgia State University. Townsend grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and lives in Oak Park, Illinois, where he serves on the board of the local hunger relief organization, Beyond Hunger.  He enjoys sailing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his wife and daughters.