Wasantha Samarakkodi, Business Manager of the McDonald’s restaurant in Arklow, Co. Wicklow, has won a Ray Kroc Award, an accolade that recognises the top performing McDonald’s managers in Europe.
Samarakkodi was one of only 67 McDonald’s restaurant managers in Europe (representing the top one per cent of the region) to receive the honour, which includes a cash prize and a trophy. This is the second year of the Ray Croc Awards in Europe, which are named after McDonald’s corporate founder.
Samarakkodi, who has been working at McDonald’s Arklow for two and a half years, was awarded his prize at a gala event in Barcelona hosted by Doug Goare, President of McDonald’s Europe. Announcing the winners, Goare said, “I’m delighted that we are able to pay tribute to our restaurant managers who play a crucial role in the success of McDonald’s in Europe. Every single one of these managers delivers an outstanding restaurant experience for our customers, as well as creating a positive work environment for their staff.” Samarakkodi said, “It’s an honour to stand here today and accept this award, to be recognised among McDonald’s managers throughout Europe is a great achievement. I would like to thank all of the McDonald's team in Arklow who have worked together to ensure we always delivered the highest level of service”. McDonald's owner-operators and regional staff nominate restaurant managers for the Ray Kroc Award to recognise their hard work, dedication, and commitment to McDonald's and its customers. From there, a selection committee of representatives from McDonald's Europe operations, training, and human resources teams select the award winners.
As one of the largest employers in Europe, McDonald’s recognises that good people practices lead to a better customer experience and the Ray Kroc Awards are just one of the numerous workplace initiatives McDonald’s has introduced in Europe. A job at McDonald’s also provides opportunity for progression, with around 90 per cent of restaurant managers starting their careers as crew members.
Pictured from left to right: Jill McDonald, McDonald’s North West Division President, Wasantha Samarakkodi, Business Manager McDonald’s Arklow and Doug Goare, President of McDonald’s Europe, taken at the Ray Croc Award Cermony in Barcelona.
