Jim Skinner calls Ronald McDonald an ambassador for the restaurant and its Ronald McDonald House Charities. And he says the character is "a force for good."
Skinner's comments came during the fast food chain's shareholder meeting after critics pressed him to retire the famous icon. They say the clown encourages children to eat unhealthy food.
Retired Chicago physician Alfred David Klinger says Ronald McDonald sends an "insidious message to young people" and should be retired.
People in the crowd gathered at the company's headquarters in suburban Chicago booed the idea.
