Fast food giant McDonald\u2019s South Africa has appointed Max Oliva as its new chief executive officer, effective 1 July 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oliva will replace outgoing CEO Greg Solomon, who has been in the position since 2009.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Solomon joined McDonald\u2019s in 1996 as a Project Manager in the construction department and was appointed Managing Director of McDonald\u2019s South Africa on 1 January 2009.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The group announced in February that Solomon would be stepping down from the position after 29 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Leadership changes are natural for any organisation, and while Greg has built a strong foundation, now is the time to welcome new leadership,” it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under Solomon’s leadership, McDonald’s expanded significanty in the country, adding 230 restaurants to take the total portfolio to 400 locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Incoming boss, Oliva, is a decorated retail executive who has 30 years of experience in the sector serving in leadership positions at SPAR South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
McDonald’s said his appointment will bring three decades of experience in retail and supply chain management, with the chops to build teams and deliver growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He began his career in 1995, progressing through senior supply chain and logistics roles before gaining international exposure in Ireland as Supply Chain Executive at BWG Foods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upon returning to South Africa, he led regional and national operations, most recently serving as CEO of one of the country\u2019s largest retail networks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“He was selected following a rigorous executive search process aimed at identifying a leader with the vision, discipline, and commercial acumen to guide the business into its next phase of transformation,” the group said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It added that the new appointment comes as McDonald’s South Africa begins a new chapter amid the rapid changes in the country’s consumer landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oliva\u2019s leadership is expected to accelerate innovation, enhance guest experiences, and further strengthen McDonald\u2019s market position,” it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new CEO holds an MBA from the University of Wales, Cardiff, and a Bachelor of Technology from Durban University of Technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He completed executive leadership development at University of Stellenbosch Business School, and also holds a Certificate in Logistics Management from the former Rand Afrikaans University (RAU).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
McDonald’s said that Solomon will still remain involved with the brand as a board member, “ensuring continuity, sharing his invaluable knowledge, and fulfilling his responsibilities as a company director”. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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