Twenty-seven years ago when a fresh faced 18yr old student rocked up to his first job at McDonald’s he had no idea that by the age of 45 he would become the Managing Director.

Patrick Wilson, born and bred in Auckland, has just been appointed the new Managing Director of the Golden Arches in New Zealand, one of the most recognisable brands in the world and oneof the highest profile executive roles in the country.
 

When you flipped your first burger 27 years ago did you ever dream of running the NZ business?

Like most teenage boys, I had trouble thinking past the weekend let alone the next year, so I certainly never dreamt of taking the top job when I first started as a part time crew member. It was more about helping me pay my way through a computer science degree, and some spending money for the weekend.

Was it more difficult for you to be taken seriously as you rose up through the ranks than it would have been for an outsider coming straight into a senior management role in the business?

Sure, I had to earn my stripes but that’s the way it should be. I have been privileged to have had some incredible mentors within McDonald’s New Zealand. They have shaped me into the decision maker I am today and afforded me some invaluable growth opportunities. One of the amazing things about Maccas is that so many people come up through the ranks, and stay in the business a long time – building and retaining talent is definitely a strength of the business.

How do you plan to put your own stamp on this high profile role?

I’m fiercely proud to be a New Zealander and the first Kiwi managing director at McDonald’s in over 21 years. Bringing that local lens to such a massive global brand is something I see as very positive. We’ve got a great all Kiwi senior management team, and a fantastic franchisee network, and we have a couple of key strategic areas we’ll focus on over the next 1-3 years to grow the business and customers’ love for the brand.

Does your own family eat at the Golden Arches and if so how often?

Yes, I eat McDonald’s at least once a week – I think it can be part of a balanced diet and lifestyle. I also take my son to our local McDonald’s as a treat, which he really looks forward to.

Do you believe it is still possible in New Zealand to start at the bottom and reach the top of the corporate ladder within the same organisation?

Yes I do. I am living proof of that. I subscribe to that old adage if you have people with the right attitude, treat them well, train them and keep them. That makes far more sense than high staff churn rates and recruiting new people every five minutes. We are proud of our record as one of New Zealand’s largest employers of youth, and we believe our training programmes give people the chance to grow within McDonald’s, or move on and add value in new organisations.

Do you have any tips for those at the bottom rung of the ladder starting the climb?

Know your strengths and weaknesses and be honest about them. Work hard and take the opportunities that are presented to you.

How many hours a week do you spend at work and what do you do in your down time?

It’s fair to say my work hours have increased since becoming managing director, but that’s part and parcel of a senior role. There’s also a fair amount of travel involved, but I try and include my family in that travel as much as I can. Aside from spending time with my wife and son, I’ve always continued to play sport and enjoy a game of soccer each weekend, and I play in our work indoor netball team.

What is your favourite burger at McDonald’s?

I’m a bit old school and love Cheeseburgers, Big Macs and Filet o Fish – and I enjoy a McCafe coffee every day.