Collins Foods names Drew O'Malley as new CEO

He will succeed Graham Maxwell, who led the group for six years.

Collins Foods has appointed Drew O’Malley as its new chief executive starting 1 July, overseeing the brand’s KFC, Taco Bell and Sizzler restaurants.

“I’m both humbled and grateful for the opportunity to lead the next chapter in Collins Foods’ outstanding growth story," O’Malley said in a statement sent by the company to the ASX.

O’Malley joined the Collins Foods board in 2017 as chief operating officer. He will succeed Graham Maxwell, who led the company as CEO and managing director for six years.

Maxwell first announced intentions to step down from the company year ago, which sparked the search for a successor.

“Our ability to plan Drew’s succession into the CEO role and the strength of the working relationship between Drew and Graham has facilitated a smooth transition for him into the CEO role," chairman Robert Kaye said.

"The board is confident that Drew will continue to build on the success the Company has enjoyed under Graham’s leadership and the growth platforms he has established," he concluded.

O’Malley will receive over $750,000 a year as part of his new salary package, including superannuation.

Aside from its outlets across Australia, Collins Foods also operates KFC restaurants across the Netherlands and Germany, as well as Sizzler franchises in Asia.