EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS

Former supply chain executive to head up McDonald’s in South Africa

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

Max Oliva ends long tenure at Spar group to become local CEO of the fast-food chain. He replaces another industry veteran, Greg Solomon.

Fast-food chain McDonald’s South Africa has announced the appointment of Max Oliva as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 July 2025.

The former supply chain and logistics professional joins from the Spar retail and supermarket group, where he has been serving as Chief Executive Officer for South Africa. In all, Oliva has 30 years of experience in the retail industry, all spent with the Spar Group.

Max Oliva. Photo: LinkedIn

His appointment at McDonald’s signals significant change at both companies, as he replaces the fast-food giant’s long-standing CEO, Greg Solomon, who has been in the position since 2009. Solomon, a civil engineer, joined McDonald’s in the 1990s and was initially involved in its construction projects.

“Oliva brings more than three decades of executive experience in retail and supply chain management, with a strong track record of delivering operational excellence, building high-performing teams, and driving sustainable growth,” McDonald’s says in a press release.

“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.”

An evolving consumer landscape

His appointment comes at a pivotal time for McDonald’s South Africa, as the brand continues to evolve in a fast-changing consumer landscape.

“Oliva is uniquely positioned to lead this next chapter, with deep local market knowledge, a hands-on leadership style, and a proven ability to align people, performance and purpose,” the company states.

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. Upon returning to South Africa, he led regional and national operations at Spar.

His previous roles include Logistics Manager, Divisional Logistics Director, and Divisional Managing Director.

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