Doug was the Chief Executive Officer of one of McDonald’s largest franchised organisations, which operated twenty-six restaurants across the West Midlands and employed nearly 3,000 people. He began his career with McDonald’s as a cleaner the day before he left school in 1981 and went on to become a franchisee in 2002. What began as an aspiration to own two restaurants grew into a business contributing more than £50m annually to the regional economy. He retired from McDonald’s in August 2025 after a 44 year career. 

Throughout his career, Doug received numerous awards, including McDonald’s Global Franchisee of the Year in 2016, the EY Entrepreneur of the Year (Midlands) in 2019, and Honorary Doctorates from both Birmingham City University and Aston University. He was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2022 for services to the economy and charity in the West Midlands and proudly served as High Sheriff of the West Midlands (2024–2025).

Inspired by his own health challenges at a young age, Doug has always dedicated significant time to charitable work. He chaired Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham for six years, raising over £10m to support families with children in hospital, and in 2023 became Chairman of the national charity Kids’ Village. He also serves as a Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands and continues to mentor entrepreneurs and support community organisations.

Doug is married to Kate, and together they have five children and three grandchildren. In retirement, he enjoys family time, travelling, eating out and watching sports.