Leadership Team

Max Oliva is an accomplished executive with over 30 years of experience in the retail and supply chain sectors. He brings extensive expertise in operational excellence, strategic leadership, and sustainable business growth. Max holds an MBA from the University of Wales, Cardiff, a Bachelor of Technology from the Durban University of Technology, and has completed executive leadership development at the University of Stellenbosch Business School.Prior to joining McDonald’s South Africa in 2025, Max spent his career with the SPAR Group, where he held various senior positions across South Africa and Ireland. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of SPAR Southern Africa, overseeing operations across multiple markets and delivering strong commercial performance and organisational alignment.As Chief Executive Officer, Max leads McDonald’s South Africa’s strategic direction, focusing on operational efficiency, innovation, and inclusive growth to strengthen the company’s market position and long-term sustainability.

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).

Dr. Mamello Masia is a seasoned Human Resources executive with over 17 years of experience across multiple sectors. She has extensive expertise in organisational change, employee development, and strategic HR management, and holds a PhD in Human Resource Management from the University of the Witwatersrand. Before joining McDonald’s South Africa in 2025, Mamello held senior HR leadership roles at Pareto Group, Protea Chemicals, Evonik Africa, Emerson Network Power, Nedbank, and Toyota South Africa. Her experience includes leading cultural transformation initiatives, implementing skills-based development programmes, and aligning HR strategies with business goals to drive performance and growth. As Chief People Officer, Mamello leads McDonald’s South Africa’s people strategy, fostering a high-performance and inclusive culture while strengthening talent and leadership pipelines to support the company’s sustainable growth and innovation.

Phinda Ncala is a seasoned technology executive with more than 20 years of experience across telecommunications, aviation, banking, and technology services. He has extensive expertise in governance, security, vendor management, and digital strategy, and is recognised for leading complex transformation programmes that enhance operational resilience and efficiency.Before his appointment as Chief Information Officer in 2025, Phinda served as IT Director at McDonald’s South Africa, where he drove key modernisation and digital transformation initiatives. He has also held senior leadership roles at MTN South Africa, MTN Uganda, Liquid Telecom, and South African Airways.In his role as Chief Information Officer, Phinda is responsible for advancing McDonald’s South Africa’s technology strategy, driving digital innovation, and ensuring that the organisation’s systems and infrastructure effectively support business performance and customer experience.

Prashan Maharaj began his journey with McDonald's in 2016 as a General Manager of Operations.

In 2019, he was promoted to Director of Operations, and in 2021, he transitioned to overseeing Franchising and McOpco.

That same year, he earned his MBA and participated in McDonald’s Global Leadership Course.

In 2024, Prashan was appointed Chief Operations Officer, assuming responsibility for McOpco, Owner Operators, and the Operations Development department. Under his leadership, he oversees the full operational strategy and execution for McDonald’s.

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.