Full Name: Wilma Lombard-Maree
Position: Development director at McDonald’s South Africa
Main Activity of the Company: I am responsible for the real estate, asset management, construction and risk (health, safety and security) departments of McDonald’s South Africa
Date and Place of Birth: September 25, 1961, Johannesburg
Education: BA (Hons) in urban geography, University of Johannesburg
First Job: Part-time cashier at Shoprite Checkers at the age of 15
Career History Prior to Current Position: I joined McDonald’s in 1995 as a real estate representative, becoming real estate manager in 1998. At the end of 2009, I took over the construction and real estate departments to bring me up to speed with construction, high-impact reimaging and interior design. Prior to joining McDonald’s, I was a partner in a town planning consultancy for seven years. I also worked as a geography teacher for a year
Size of First Pay Packet: R11.29 a week – I worked on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings
First Job with Present Group: Real estate representative
Value of Assets under Your Control: R1.2-billion
Number of People under Your Leadership: 16
Management Style: Low direction, high support. I use the trust-and-verify approach
Personal Best Achievement: Achieving the goals I have set for myself
Professional Best Achievement: Achieving our department goals without fail for 19 years and recently winning the Steel Frame award
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: Nelson Mandela, for his forgiving heart
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: John Rosmarin, the boss who truly gave me the opportunity to be the best that I could be without any limitations
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: My paternal grandmother, who passed away before I was born
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Anton Rupert
Philosophy of Life: Live your life to the fullest
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Impatience
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Experiencing a lack of integrity in individuals along the way
Hope for the Future: Good health, success and happiness
Favourite Reading: Dramas – I read about five books a week
Favourite TV Programme: Homeland and The Big Bang Theory
Favourite Food/Drink: Sushi/champagne
Favourite Music: I love all music
Favourite Sport: I do weight training for two hours daily
Favourite Website: Amazon
Hobbies: Mountain biking, reading, watching TV, stained glass work and gardening
Car: 5-Series BMW, an SLK Mercedes-Benz, a Porsche (1987 Targa) and a BMW Izeta
Pets: Four French poodles – two standard and two miniature
Miscellaneous Dislikes: People who do not get to the point
Favourite Other South African Company: Woolworths
Favourite Foreign Company: Moët & Chandon
Married: To Sjampie
Children: My dogs are my children
Clubs: Virgin Active, where I train daily