Leadership Team

Greg Solomon, Chief Executive Officer of McDonald’s South Africa, joined McDonald’s in 1996 as a Project Manager in the construction department. He was appointed Managing Director of McDonald’s South Africa on 1 January 2009 and his leadership has resulted in sales growth, increased guest counts, improved customer service and increased operating income year on year. With Greg at the helm, McDonald’s South Africa has won Deloitte’s Best Company To Work For for three consecutive years. In addition, he was named the Institute of People Management CEO of the Year in 2011, as well as being nominated as a finalist in the Boss of the Year Award 2011.

Mlungisi Mathonsi is the Chief Development Officer at McDonald’s South Africa. He joined McDonald’s in 2018 with over 23 years of experience in various leadership roles from Demand Management to Customer Service and Stakeholder Relations. Mlungisi holds a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree, Advanced Management Diploma, an MBA from the University of Strathclyde and a Certificate in Professional Coaching.

Evan is a Chartered Accountant with over 19 years post articles experience. Evan is a skilled corporate and financial executive with knowledge and experience in franchising, retail, FMCG, supply chain and manufacturing fields from a finance, operations, strategy and business development perspective. He has held senior finance positions over the past 12 years and joined McDonald’s in 2018. Evan provides a financial insight into the strategic business development of the business and is responsible for all aspects of Financial Management including Strategic Planning, Reporting, Budgeting, Analysis, Treasury, Legal, Internal Control and Compliance.

Daniel Padiachy has seasoned and respected experience in Marketing, Consumer Insights and Strategic leadership. He joined McDonald’s SA in 2006 and currently holds the position of Chief Marketing Officer and is responsible for Marketing; Brand Communications; Consumer Insights; Business Insights; Brand and Corporate Strategy and Digital. Daniel holds a MBA in Marketing Strategy from WITS University and he is also qualified as a Chartered Marketer in SA recognised by The Marketing Association of South Africa MA (SA).

Jo-Ann de Wet started her career in McDonald’s as a Trainee Manager in 1995. Over the years, she dedicated her career in expanding her operational knowledge and exposure across different departments within the company. Today, Jo-Ann is the Executive: Franchise Operations, Risk and Delivery, responsible for overseeing restaurant support functions including Field Service; Health and Safety and McDonald’s Delivery Service to ensure execution is safeguarded through outstanding process, governance and systems.

As a member of the McDonald’s Global Women’s Leadership Network, which aims to support the development and advancement of women, Jo-Ann is instrumental in supporting local chapters throughout the world. In 2016, she was awarded the prestigious McDonald’s Global Women’s Leadership Network Award.

Jo-Ann holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Business Economics & Industrial Psychology from the University of the Western Cape and numerous Operations and Leadership qualifications from the McDonald’s Hamburger University.

Jo-Ann is a wife and mother to four sons.

Brigitte da Gama is a seasoned Human Capital professional with over twenty- year spanning different industries such as Banking, IT, Asset Management and Tertiary Education. She joined McDonald’s SA in 2015 as Chief People Officer and in her role she is responsible human resource, payroll, benefits and compensation. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science Degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology from the University of Cape Town; an Honours Degree in Business Administration and a MBA from the University of Stellenbosch.