Leadership Team

Max Oliva is the Chief Executive Officer of McDonald’s South Africa. With more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in retail, logistics, and supply chain management, he has built a reputation for driving operational excellence, leading business transformation, and developing high-performing teams.

Oliva began his career in 1995 with the SPAR Group, where he progressed through senior logistics and supply chain leadership roles before serving as Supply Chain Executive at BWG Foods (SPAR Ireland), leading integration during the Londis acquisition. Returning to South Africa in 2017, he was appointed Managing Director of SPAR KwaZulu-Natal, where he led the business to strong financial growth. In 2022, he became CEO of SPAR Southern Africa, overseeing more than 2,000 stores across five countries and delivering significant wholesale turnover and operating profit growth.

Recognised for his people-first leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to unite teams around shared goals, Oliva brings deep operational expertise and extensive local market knowledge to McDonald’s South Africa. He holds an MBA from the University of Wales, Cardiff, a Bachelor of Technology from Durban University of Technology, and has completed executive leadership studies at Stellenbosch Business School.

Evan is a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) with more than 20 years of post-qualification experience, including over 15 years in Chief Financial Officer and Finance Director roles. He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer at McDonald’s South Africa, where he plays a key role in driving financial resilience and sustainable business growth.

His extensive experience spans listed companies, franchising, retail, FMCG, manufacturing, and supply chain operations. Having served as CFO and Company Secretary of JSE-listed Taste Holdings Limited, Evan brings deep expertise in financial strategy, corporate governance, business development, and operational excellence.

Known for his strategic vision, integrity, and collaborative leadership style, Evan partners with executive teams to create long-term value, optimise performance, and build resilient, scalable businesses. He is passionate about transforming financial insights into strategic decisions that drive growth and support organisational success.

Mamello Masia is the Chief People Officer at McDonald’s South Africa, with nearly two decades of progressive HR leadership across the retail, property, manufacturing, chemicals, engineering, automotive, and financial services sectors. She has held senior leadership roles at Pareto/Mowana Properties, Protea Chemicals, Evonik, Emerson Network Power, Nedbank, and Toyota.

Throughout her career, Mamello has built a strong reputation for driving strategic people transformation. Her expertise spans talent acquisition, organisational culture, leadership development, succession planning, performance management, and workforce transformation. She has successfully led the implementation of enterprise-wide HR initiatives, including competency-based learning programmes, agile performance frameworks, and the Korn Ferry Architect job architecture model. Passionate about developing high-performing organisations, Mamello is committed to creating inclusive workplaces, strengthening leadership capability, and aligning people strategies with business growth.

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.