Report: McDonald’s CEO sees some “thawing” in economy

Chicago The chief executive of McDonald’s said he did not see a quick end to the recession, but that he did see some “thawing,” according to Reuters.

"It's still a tough environment, but I do see some thawing,” Jim Skinner said on CNBC. “If you look at the credit markets and you look at the activities around the financials, I think that bodes well for the future and bodes well for the consumer."

McDonald's is gaining share in almost every one of its markets and is "still bullish" in such areas as Brazil, Russia, India and Central and Eastern Europe, Skinner said.

The company plans to open about 1,000 new restaurants in 2009, with a net 500 to 600 including closures. It will also remodel more than 1,800 restaurants.