McDonald’s South Africa today announced the appointment of Max Oliva as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 July 2025.
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. 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.
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.
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, most recently serving as CEO of one of the country’s largest retail networks. His tenure was marked by commercial turnaround, organisational alignment, and successful strategic execution across multiple markets.
Throughout his career, Oliva has been recognised for his inclusive, values-driven approach, and his ability to unite diverse teams around shared goals. These attributes, combined with his strong operational background made him the clear choice to lead McDonald’s South Africa forward.
Oliva’s leadership is expected to accelerate innovation, enhance guest experiences, and further strengthen McDonald’s market position. His deep operational expertise, strategic mindset, and people-first philosophy are well aligned with the company’s ambition to deliver long-term, inclusive growth across the country.
Background and Milestones:
- 30 years of experience in the retail industry, all with the SPAR Group.
- Strong communicator with a people-focused, strategic leadership style.
- Known for building unified team cultures and trusted stakeholder relationships.
- Started career in 1995 in logistics and supply chain roles across SPAR’s South Rand, KwaZulu-Natal, and North Rand divisions.
- Promoted to Logistics Director for both South Rand and KwaZulu-Natal regions.
- Appointed Supply Chain Executive at BWG Foods (SPAR Ireland) in 2015, leading integration during the Londis acquisition.
- Returned to South Africa in 2017 as Managing Director of SPAR KwaZulu-Natal.
- Led SPAR KwaZulu-Natal to R18.8 billion turnover and R442 million operating profit in 2022.
- Appointed Chief Executive Officer of SPAR Southern Africa in August 2022.
- Oversees 2,026 SPAR and TOPS stores across South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Eswatini, and Mozambique.
- Achieved R84 billion wholesale turnover and R1.45 billion operating profit in FY2024.
- Leads executive committee, develops multi-year strategic plans, and presents performance to the SPAR Group Board.
- Ensures financial governance, compliance, and operational alignment.
- Strengthens supplier partnerships to improve efficiency and product quality.
- Holds an MBA from the University of Wales, Cardiff.
- Holds a Bachelor of Technology from Durban University of Technology.
- Completed executive leadership development at University of Stellenbosch Business School.
- Holds a Certificate in Logistics Management from Rand Afrikaans University (RAU)
