McDonald’s appoints new Managing Director in NZ

Media Release

March 2012

McDonald’s appoints new Managing Director in New Zealand

• Patrick Wilson promoted from role as director of operations

• Brings 27 years experience at McDonald’s, starting as a crew person at 18 years old

• Outgoing Managing Director, Mark Hawthorne, Vice President, regional manager for Middle East, in addition to New Zealand, Pacific Islands and South Africa

Twenty seven years after starting as a crew person at McDonald’s Queen Street and working through a number of roles at the fast food company, Patrick Wilson has been appointed the new managing director of McDonald’s New Zealand.

Mr Wilson saw off applicants from around the world, including other senior McDonald’s executives, and is the first Kiwi to manage the business in New Zealand in 21 years. Most recently director of operations for McDonald’s, Mr Wilson also had responsibility for people, finance, restaurant development and IT.

“To start off as a crew person when I was just 18, and to now be appointed to run the New Zealand business has been a remarkable journey full of opportunity,” says Mr Wilson. “I’m proud that we have a Kiwi running the New Zealand business, and it reflects the opportunities that exist for people working for McDonald’s.”

“One of McDonald’s core strengths is that the majority of our restaurants are owned by local franchisees, who are hugely passionate about their business, employees and the large part they can play in their local communities. McDonald’s is the leading quick service restaurant brand in New Zealand and we will continue to take the power of the global McDonald’s brand, and apply it with a local flavour,” says Mr Wilson.

Patrick Wilson replaces Mark Hawthorne, who had been managing director for over five years. Mr Hawthorne has been appointed Vice President, Regional Manager, responsible for New Zealand, Pacific Islands, South Africa and the Middle East, and will be based in McDonald’s Singapore office.

“Patrick is a tremendous leader, who has great respect from franchisees, suppliers and our global partners,” says Mr Hawthorne. “He has extensive knowledge across all areas of the business and has also been recognised with a McDonald’s Presidents Award, which recognises the top 1 per cent of employees worldwide.”

ENDS

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