Max Oliva will step down as CEO of SPAR South Africa later this year after 30 years with the business, following his appointment as CEO of McDonald’s South Africa on 1 July 2025. In response, SPAR Group CEO Angelo Swartz will take on operational leadership of the Southern Africa region to ensure continuity amid strong performance momentum .
SPAR Group has praised Oliva’s long-standing contribution, describing his legacy as “remarkable” and acknowledging his enduring impact on the retail sector . Oliva, reflecting on his departure, said the decision was difficult but expressed confidence in SPAR’s future under Swartz’s leadership, adding that he’s excited to see the business continue building on its success.
Under Swartz, who already leads the Group’s executive committee, the focus will be on reigniting top-line growth, boosting operational efficiencies, and supporting SPAR’s independent retailers . His existing strategy has included exiting underperforming European operations to concentrate on key Southern African markets, aligning his expanded role with SPAR’s renewed strategic priorities .
Oliva’s departure and Swartz’s expanded responsibilities are framed by SPAR as a seamless transition, aimed at preserving stability and building on the strong performance that characterises the group’s current trajectory.
