McDonald's Skinner: Don Thompson "Has Ketchup in his Veins"

McDonald's

outgoing CEO and Vice Chairman Jim Skinner is convinces he is leaving the company in safe hands and that its best days are still ahead. Responsible for tripling the company's stock over his tenure, Skinner says Don Thompson has played a significant role in the company's success so far. "First of all, Don has been around at the company for 22 years. He was running the US company during its revitalization period, and has been part of the solution," he tells CNBC's Squawk on the Street. "He has been an integral player in the leadership of the company and provide the fundamental leadership that is going to be important. Shares will continue to rise under Don's watch." He does not agree with concerns that Thompson lacks international experience. "As President and Chief Operating Officer over the last two years, Don has traveled to nearly every country we have presence in, so he absolutely has the international exposure that is required." he told CNBC. "He is ready to go. He is the real deal, as I like to say," Skinner says of his successor who has been with the company since 1990. "Those of you who have met him understand that Don has ketchup in his veins and has the ca[ability of leading this great brand." Skinner rates second in CEO performance during tenure, at 229 percent, behind only CISCO's CEO John Chambers back in 1995. MCD shares are trading at $95.28, down half a percent on yesterday's close.