Spur CEO Pierre van Tonder to retire

Pierre van Tonder

Van Tonder joined the restaurant group in 1982 as a junior restaurant manager. He held several senior management positions before he became a director of Spur Steak Ranches and Spur Holdings in 1992.

He was then appointed as managing director/chief executive officer in 1996.

Spur Corporation chairman, Mike Bosman, said the business has shown strong growth under Van Tonder's leadership over the past 24 years, with the group now a multi-brand franchisor with over 640 restaurants in South Africa and abroad.

“Pierre has overseen the expansion of the brand portfolio through the in-house development of brands including Panarottis and the acquisition of smaller brands like RocoMamas, The Hussar Grill and John Dory’s, which are today among South Africa’s most recognised restaurant brands.

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“On behalf of my board colleagues, management, all of our employees and franchisees, we thank Pierre for his outstanding contribution to the Spur Corporation and wish him well in the next chapter of his life,” said Bosman.

The Remuneration and Nominations Committee of the board has initiated a selection process to identify a new CEO, which will consider both internal and external candidates.

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In a letter to colleagues and franchisees, Van Tonder said, “It has been a difficult decision for me to make, but I believe that it is time that I draw to a close all of the years that I have put into this great company of ours. I am very proud of what we have achieved together over so many years, and also extremely thankful to each and every one of you for making my tenure so enjoyable and fulfilling.

"I am also looking forward to a new adventure in the next chapter of my life. It has been a great pleasure working with you and I thank you very much for the opportunities you have given me and the friendships that we have made. I wish you and the company much success and the very best in the future.”

Over the next five months, Van Tonder will be working on the smooth transition of his tasks and responsibilities to his successor.