Sonneborn resigns and Kroc becomes CEO

The resignation of Sonneborn marked a pivotal change in the leadership of McDonald's, as Kroc assumed the roles of CEO and president. The disagreement between Sonneborn and Kroc primarily revolved around the company's expansion strategy. Kroc's vision for McDonald's was aggressive, focusing on rapid growth and franchising, which contrasted with Sonneborn's more cautious approach. This shift in leadership coincided with McDonald's first international expansion, as the company opened its first location outside the United States in Richmond, British Columbia. This move was significant as it laid the groundwork for McDonald's global presence, which would later expand to numerous countries worldwide. Under Kroc's leadership, McDonald's not only expanded geographically but also embraced inclusivity within its franchise system. The first African American franchisee, Herman Petty, opened a McDonald's location shortly after Kroc took over. This development occurred in the context of the civil rights movement, highli