Welcome to the CEO Edge Podcast. In this episode, we interview Paul Hollands, CEO & Chairman of A&W Food Services of Canada Inc, and a MacKay CEO Forums member. Starting in 1956, this historic brand has grown to over 850 stores across Canada with system sales of over $1 Billion. A&W leads the industry with on many measures, including being the first and only national burger restaurant in Canada to serve beef raised without the use of hormones or steroids. They are also the first and only national burger restaurant in Canada to serve chicken raised without the use of antibiotics.
Paul has worked with A&W since 1981, becoming Executive VP and COO in 1995, President in 2002,CEO in 2005 and Chairman in 2016. Paul has received Canada's Top 40 under 40 leadership award and most recently the BC CEO of the Year award in 2015. In addition, A&W has been recognized as a Platinum Best Manged Company.
In this podcast, Paul discusses the company's approach to strategy, leadership and culture that has allowed A&W to lead the pace of change in their industry and continue to create exceptional value for their franchisees, investors, employees and guests.