by AKANI CHAUKE
JOHANNESBURG – THE appointment of Max Oliva as Chief Executive Officer of McDonalds South Africa has raised questions about the company’s commitment to transformation.
Critics question the commitment to de-racialising the country’s economy.
He takes over from Greg Solomons, effective July 1.
Solomons has been at the helm of the restaurant group for 15 years, while Oliva joins from Spar SA.
It is speculated Solomons was under pressure and edged out because of poor performance and a lack of transformation.
Yet, the company has proceeded to appoint Oliva to the role, amid questions if there were no black South Africans to fill the role.
There is also concern over McDonald’s SA appointment of Oliva following the negative publicity that bedevilled the retailer on issues such as race, as well as its negative financial performance.
Another section of critics argue that if the fast-food firm had been committed to transformation, after failing to appoint a black South African, it could have at least recruited from within.
Comment could not be obtained from McDonalds South Africa but announcing his appointment, it stated Oliva 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.”
– CAJ News
