Eric was a member of McDonald's Senior Leadership Team comprised of the business unit leaders and the global, C-suite functional leaders. His primary responsibility was consumer and business insights. Additionally, he was responsible for McDonald's marketing training and global marketing planning. Jim Skinner, McDonald's CEO, says "connecting with our customers is the essence of what we do at McDonald's and Eric's leadership and innovative work were invaluable in making that happen."

Eric joined McDonald's from Kraft Foods, where he had held a variety of marketing services and information positions for 11 years including Senior Vice-President of Marketing Services, Vice-President of Consumer Insights and Strategy, and Director of Sales Information and Technology for the Kraft Foods sales organization. Prior to Kraft, he held leadership positions at ACNielsen and Quaker Oats.

Eric received his MBA from the University of Michigan, where he was elected to Beta Gamma Sigma. He also holds a Master's degree from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Eric and Claire Leininger are the proud parents of two adult daughters.