Westlife Foodworld Ltd., the company responsible for owning and managing McDonald’s restaurants in West and South India, has announced a significant change in its leadership. In a recent press release, the company revealed that Amit Jatia, formerly the Vice Chairman of Westlife Foodworld, has been appointed as the new chairperson, effective immediately. Concurrently, Smita Jatia will assume the role of Vice Chairperson, succeeding Amit Jatia in this position.
Amit Jatia, a highly esteemed figure in India’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, is widely recognized as a pioneer for his instrumental role in establishing McDonald’s presence in the country back in 1996. With more than 26 years of invaluable experience, he has remained an integral part of the QSR industry. Throughout his leadership, McDonald’s India (West and South) has witnessed remarkable growth, expanding its reach to over 357 restaurants. Under his guidance, the company successfully launched McCafé, an in-house specialty coffee chain, and transformed itself into a thriving food tech entity, consistently advancing and achieving new milestones.
Amit Jatia, Chairperson, Westlife Foodworld said, “I am deeply honoured to accept the appointment as chairperson of Westlife Foodworld. It has been a privilege for me to lead such a talented and dedicated team of professionals who have built a strong organization over the years. I am humbled by the trust that the Board of Directors has placed in me.”
Assuming the position of Chairperson, Amit Jatia will be responsible for guiding the company through the dynamic and ever-evolving global business landscape, ensuring that it effectively capitalizes on emerging opportunities. His role will involve strategic decision-making and providing direction to steer the company towards sustained growth and success in a rapidly changing environment.
Smita Jatia, recently appointed as the Vice Chairperson of the company, brings with her a wealth of experience exceeding two decades in the QSR industry. Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in spearheading the robust expansion of McDonald’s in India. With her leadership and expertise, Smita Jatia has been instrumental in driving the aggressive growth of the brand, positioning it as a prominent player in the industry. Her invaluable contributions have significantly contributed to the success and development of McDonald’s in the country.
Smita Jatia, Vice Chairperson, Westlife Foodworld said, “I am honoured and excited to accept the position of vice chairperson of Westlife Foodworld. The journey to this new role has been remarkable, and I am grateful for the support and encouragement of my colleagues, the Board of Directors, and our stakeholders.”
Taking on her new position, Smita Jatia is fully devoted to driving the company’s growth strategy and furthering the brand’s enduring legacy. With a focus on the ever-changing market, she emphasized her determination to utilize her experience to lead the talented team in identifying untapped opportunities, expanding the company’s market presence, and enhancing its value proposition. Smita Jatia’s profound vision and leadership will play a pivotal role in propelling the company towards continued success and prosperity.
Westlife Foodworld Limited (BSE: 505533) (WFL), previously recognized as Westlife Development Ltd (WDL), is primarily engaged in the establishment and operation of Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) in India. This is accomplished through its subsidiary, Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. (HRPL). The company operates a network of McDonald’s restaurants across West and South India, maintaining a master franchisee association with McDonald’s Corporation USA via the latter’s subsidiary.
HRPL, a prominent franchisee of McDonald’s, holds exclusive rights to own and manage McDonald’s restaurants in the West and South markets of India. Since its establishment in 1996, HRPL has been a dedicated franchisee operating in the region, contributing significantly to the growth and success of the McDonald’s brand in India’s West and South markets.
HRPL operates a network of 357 McDonald’s restaurants across 56 cities in the states of Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Union Territory of Puducherry. Annually, it caters to over 200 million customers and employs more than 10,000 people. The company offers a diverse range of dining options, including standalone restaurants, drive-thrus, 24/7 service, McDelivery, McBreakfast, and dessert kiosks. Their menu consists of a variety of items such as Burgers, Wraps, Hot and Cold Beverages, and an extensive selection of desserts. Additionally, some of the McDonald’s restaurants under HRPL feature an in-house McCafé.