Latest news with #MaxOliva
The South African
11 hours ago
- Business
- The South African
Spar boss Max Oliva quits to take over as McDonald's CEO
Veteran retail executive Max Oliva is stepping down as CEO of Spar South Africa after a 30-year tenure with the group to take on a new leadership role as the CEO of McDonald's South Africa. His appointment at the fast-food giant will take effect from 1 July 2025. When South Africans connect, we don't just network; we build a community. The Lekker Network is a professional network where every conversation starts with, 'How can I help you?' Come join us & be a part of a community of extraordinary Saffas. Oliva, widely respected within the industry for his strategic leadership and operational expertise, leaves behind a significant legacy at Spar. During his time with the retailer, he played a pivotal role in guiding the company through some of its most challenging chapters, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the rollout of the SAP enterprise resource planning system, and the broader digital transformation of the business. Spar Group CEO Angelo Swartz will assume Oliva's responsibilities, taking on operational leadership of the group's Southern Africa region. Swartz praised Oliva's impact and leadership, stating: 'I have had the privilege of working closely with Max for many years and have immense respect for his leadership and the legacy he leaves. Thanks to the strong foundation he has laid, I approach this next phase with confidence that, together with our talented team, we will continue to push forward and deliver on our growth ambitions for Southern Africa.' Spar described Oliva's exit as the end of an era, noting his enduring contribution to the company and the retail sector as a whole. Meanwhile, McDonald's South Africa has welcomed Oliva's appointment, citing his deep operational background and inclusive, values-driven leadership style as key factors behind the decision. The company expressed confidence that he will accelerate innovation, improve the customer experience, and strengthen McDonald's market position. 'Throughout his career, Oliva has been recognised for his inclusive, values-driven approach, and his ability to unite diverse teams around shared goals,' McDonald's SA said in a statement. 'These attributes, combined with his strong operational background, made him the clear choice to lead McDonald's SA forward.' Oliva's move marks a major leadership shift in two of South Africa's most prominent consumer-facing brands, as both Spar and McDonald's look to sharpen their competitive edge in a fast-evolving retail and food service landscape. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
News24
2 days ago
- Business
- News24
N2 closed due to snow; Comrades runner's family speaks: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
News24 brings you the top 7 stories of the day. Graphic: Sharlene Rood News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature. Family of missing Comrades runner recounts hours of searching - A Comrades Marathon runner, Moira Harding, went missing after finishing the race and was found in critical condition nearly 15 hours later. - Harding is being treated for dehydration and hypothermia in the ICU, with her family unsure how she ended up 7km from the finish line. - Police are investigating the circumstances of her disappearance, while the family has cited disorganisation at the finish line and Harding's disoriented state as possible factors. Supplied/SPAR 'Not an easy decision': SPAR's SA CEO quits to join McDonald's - Max Oliva, SPAR South Africa CEO, is stepping down after three decades to become the new CEO of McDonald's South African operations, effective 1 July. - Oliva replaces Greg Solomon, who stepped down in February after 15 years as McDonald's SA CEO, following a search for a leader to guide the business through transformation. - SPAR has acknowledged Oliva's 'remarkable legacy' and leadership through challenging times, while Oliva has said leaving SPAR was not easy, as the company continues to recover from supply chain issues and market share losses. Phando Jikelo/RSA Parliament 'Deliberate and orchestrated': Ghost workers haunting govt not merely payroll paranormal activity - DA MP Jan de Villiers says ghost workers are likely present in every government department, costing taxpayers millions. - The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has initiated an in-person verification process to eliminate ghost workers and reduce costs. - De Villiers is advocating for a mandatory biometric identification system and criminal charges against those involved in ghost worker schemes. Photo by Gallo Images/Beeld/Deaan Vivier The Tycoons: Diamond flogger Louis Liebenberg and the businessman with presidents as friends - The article contrasts Louis Liebenberg, accused of running a R4 billion Ponzi scheme involving fake diamonds, with Christopher Kimber, a diamond mining boss with political connections. - Both Liebenberg and Kimber face legal challenges: Liebenberg for fraud and money laundering, and Kimber for fraudulent misrepresentation in a business deal with Arron Banks. - Liebenberg's failed community artisanal mining project devastated Namaqualand, while Kimber's mine faces potential closure, highlighting the precarious state of the region's diamond industry and its impact on local communities. N2 highway closed 'to save lives' amid snowfall in KZN, Eastern Cape - Parts of the N2 highway in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape have been closed due to heavy snowfall and icy conditions. - Several other roads in both provinces are affected, with traffic moving slowly or restricted to certain vehicle types. - Weather warnings are in place for disruptive snowfall and rain in various districts of both confirm team for World Test Championship final at Lord's - The Proteas have announced their team for the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia, with Wiaan Mulder at No 3 and Lungi Ngidi included in the bowling attack. - Tony de Zorzi and Dane Paterson will miss out on the starting XI. - The match is scheduled to begin at Lord's on Wednesday at 11:30 SA time. Show Comments ()
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Spar South Africa CEO resigns amid financial challenges to lead McDonald's
Spar South Africa CEO Max Oliva will assume his role as McDonald's South Africa CEO on 1 July 2025. Spar South Africa CEO Max Oliva has resigned from the group, just days after the retailer announced a decline in profits and a R4 billion loss. The retailer said Oliva resigned after 30 years at Spar on Tuesday. 'It has been an honour to serve Spar for the past three decades. While this was not an easy decision, I am confident that the business is in capable hands. Angelo has my full support, and I am excited to see how the team continues to build on the momentum we've created,' he said. Spar SA's next CEO The retailer said Spar Group chief executive officer, Angelo Swartz, will replace Oliva. 'To ensure continuity and maintain the strong momentum Spar South Africa is currently experiencing, Swartz will assume operational leadership of the Southern Africa region.' He has been with Spar for 16 years and was appointed Group CEO in 2023. Before Spar he was at Woolworths. 'I have had the privilege of working closely with Oliva for many years and have immense respect for his leadership and the legacy he leaves. 'Thanks to the strong foundation he has laid, I approach this next phase with confidence that, together with our talented team, we will continue to push forward and deliver on our growth ambitions for Southern Africa,' said Swartz. ALSO READ: Is Spar in trouble? Retailer closes stores as sales decrease Spar SA CEO leaves to lead McDonald's Spar wished Olivia well as the CEO of McDonald's South Africa. He will assume his role on 1 July 2025. The retailer said Oliva's time at Spar helped the Group navigate some of the most challenging periods, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the implementation of SAP, and the broader adoption of new technologies across the business. McDonald's said the appointment comes at a time when the fast-food chain is evolving in a rapidly changing consumer landscape. '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.' R4 billion hit Spar's financial results for the 26 weeks ended 28 March 2025, released last week, showed that it has taken a hit of more than R4 billion after exiting its operations with Spar Switzerland and the Appleby Westward Group (AWG). 'These businesses recorded aggregate post-tax losses of R4.4 billion, including impairments of R4.2 billion.' However, the loss was anticipated as the exit of the operations is part of Spar's strategy aimed at strengthening its balance sheet and recovering margins. ALSO READ: McDonald's SA CEO steps down Profits nosedive The financial results also revealed its operating profits nosedived by 5.7% to R1.35 billion, compared to R1.43 billion during the same period in 2024. Spar has also concluded the disposal of Spar Poland in January 2025. Which was one of the five key focus areas for Spar. The second key focus area that has been achieved is the completion of the Group's debt restructuring in March 2025 and May 2025. It's not all bad; the Group's revenue from continuing operations remained steady at R66.1 billion, while gross profit increased to R7.1 billion. In Southern Africa, wholesale turnover increased by 1.7%. Combined grocery and liquor wholesale revenue rose by 1.1%, while retail revenue increased by 1.9%. NOW READ: Pick n Pay CEO receives the highest salary in retail. Here's how much others get
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Max Oliva steps down as SPAR South Africa CEO after 30 years at the helm
The SPAR Group today announced a significant leadership change, with Max Oliva stepping down as CEO of SPAR South Africa after 30 remarkable years. Image: Supplied Max Oliva has announced his decision to step down as CEO of SPAR South Africa, marking the end of a 30-year career with the company as he embarks on a new journey to take the reins at McDonald's South Africa. Angelo Swartz, the CEO of the SPAR Group, is set to assume operational leadership of the Southern Africa region. Oliva's departure coincides with an ideal moment for SPAR South Africa, which is currently experiencing strong growth and momentum within the retail sector. The group said this transition aims to uphold the successes and strategies put in place by Oliva, ensuring that SPAR South Africa continues to thrive in a competitive marketplace. Oliva leaves behind a legacy marked by resilience and integrity. Over the span of his career, he has held various senior leadership roles within the group, culminating in his position as the CEO of SPAR South Africa—the largest entity in the Group. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ His steady hand guided the organisation through some of its toughest challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of transformative technologies such as SAP. "It has been an honour to serve SPAR for the past three decades," Oliva said. "While this was not an easy decision, I am confident that the business is in capable hands. Angelo has my full support, and I am excited to see how the team continues to build on the momentum we've created." Swartz echoed Oliva's sentiments, acknowledging the fulfilling years they spent working together and saying he has immense respect for his leadership and the legacy he leaves. "Thanks to the strong foundation he has laid, I approach this next phase with confidence that, together with our talented team, we will continue to push forward and deliver on our growth ambitions for Southern Africa," Swartz said. Swartz's transition to this expanded role is reinforced by the support of a robust and experienced Group Executive Committee, which will drive strategic and operational initiatives across SPAR South Africa. This supportive structure allows Swartz to focus on the Southern African operations and ensure critical objectives are met—especially in reigniting top-line growth and enhancing operational efficiencies while supporting independent retailers. BUSINESS REPORT
Reuters
13-03-2025
- Business
- Reuters
South Africa's SPAR plans chain of up to 40 high-end grocery stores
JOHANNESBURG, March 13 (Reuters) - South Africa's SPAR Group (SPPJ.J), opens new tab is planning a chain of about 30 to 40 high-end grocery stores, with the first set to open in the fourth quarter of this year, an executive said on Thursday, as the retailer targets affluent shoppers. South African grocery retailers are increasingly tailoring stores to wealthy or low-income customers in a market that is becoming more polarised. "The strategy includes converting high-end niche SPAR stores while also opening new locations in strategic sites. We anticipate around 30 to 40 Gourmet stores in the future, though no fixed timeline has been set," Max Oliva, SPAR Southern Africa CEO, told Reuters. The South African retailer owns several SPAR country licences of the Dutch SPAR group. Presenting on Wednesday at the company's capital markets day, Oliva told investors that the new SPAR Gourmet format would target customers in high-end residential and urban areas. "Key focus areas include premium food solutions, coffee, bakery, and indulgent products, with a curated assortment tailored to meet the needs of a more affluent customer base," he said. SPAR Gourmet and discount chain SaveMor are part of the group's segmentation strategy, similar to what rivals Pick n Pay (PIKJ.J), opens new tab and Shoprite (SHPJ.J), opens new tab have been doing in recent years. To strengthen its position in the competitive discount grocery sector, SPAR will also be revamping the SaveMor chain. South Africa's higher-end grocery market is dominated by Woolworths (WHLJ.J), opens new tab, followed by Shoprite's Checkers chain. In the discount space, Shoprite has Usave and Pick n Pay has Boxer (BOXJ.J), opens new tab.
