Lara is a seasoned transformation executive with over 20 years of proven success leading technology and business change at a number of Canada's leading companies, including Rogers Communications, General Mills, Torstar and Johnson & Johnson. She joined McDonald’s in 2015 as Senior Director of Digital, where she built a team that drove a rapid transformation of the Canadian business, including launching the McDonald’s app, mobile ordering, digital loyalty, CRM, in-store kiosks and more.
In early 2018 she was promoted to Digital Officer, and then later in 2018 to VP, Chief Technology Officer, where she brought together the digital and IT organizations under her leadership.
In January 2021, Operations Support was added to her portfolio in recognition of the tremendous business potential of bringing Technology and Operations closer together. Acting with the drive and innovation of an entrepreneur, Lara has been recognized for consistently building, developing and leading high-performance teams that deliver superior results. She is also a passionate advocate for advancing diversity in technology. She launched and is now the Executive Sponsor for McDonald’s Global Women in Technology organization.
Giving back to the community has always been important to Lara. She has served on the Marketing Committee of the Salvation Army and currently serves on the board of Pathways to Education. Lara holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours from Queens University and an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business.
