Case Study: Alxemy’s Journey with Restaurant Brands New Zealand

A Leader in Food Retail, Ready for Growth

Restaurant Brands New Zealand is a leader in the multi-site quick service restaurant industry, operating iconic brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Carl’s Jr. 

With a strong local presence Restaurant Brands is focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences and staying ahead of operational challenges as they expand.

Scaling Complexity and the Need for Expert Project Management

As their operations grew, Restaurant Brands faced  complex programs and projects. The first was the implementation of a new Customer Satisfaction Survey for KFC New Zealand, driven by KFC’s Global Head Office. This program required the management of multiple stakeholders, including vendors, consultants, and internal teams, to ensure seamless execution.

The second was a Technology Unification Project, spanning four different geographic regions. This project involved developing unified technology policies that complied with local regulations and aligned with Restaurant Brands’ operational goals. Both projects demanded precise project management and a partner capable of integrating with their internal teams.

“We knew we needed a partner who could manage the complexity and become an extension of our own team,” said the Restaurant Brands Program Sponsor/CIO. “That’s where Alxemy came in.”

Why Alxemy Was the Perfect Fit

Restaurant Brands sought a project management partner with both technical expertise and the ability to seamlessly integrate with their team and culture. After careful consideration, they selected Alxemy. With a proven track record of handling complex, multi-region projects, and a reputation for flexibility and adaptability, Alxemy was the clear choice.

“KFC Global needed assurance that this project would be handled with care and precision, and it was clear that their leadership and experience were exactly what we needed,” shared the KFC Global Project Sponsor.

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Restaurant Brands Program Sponsor/CIOManaging Complexity with Precision

Alxemy took the reins of both projects with their hallmark precision and tailored project management approach. For the Customer Satisfaction Survey, Cel Medes, Director of Operations and PMO at Alxemy, led the project from start to finish. Her focus was on coordinating the many moving parts—vendors, internal teams, and external consultants—ensuring smooth communication and alignment.

“Every project comes with its own set of challenges, but this one required a deep understanding of both technical systems and stakeholder management,” Cel explained. “We worked closely with the business leads to ensure that testing and system integration went smoothly, and that the project stayed on track.”

On the Technology Unification Project, Tariro Sibanda, Project Service Delivery Manager at Alxemy, stepped up to lead the initiative. This project required managing teams across four regions with different time zones, local regulations, and operational requirements.

“One of the biggest challenges was aligning technology policies that complied with varying local laws while ensuring they were operationally efficient for Restaurant Brands,” Tariro said. “Managing a geographically dispersed team added another layer of complexity, but with the right planning and communication, we were able to keep everyone on the same page.”

Alxemy’s collaborative approach helped simplify the complexities, ensuring seamless execution and delivery within the agreed timelines and budgets.

Seamless Execution and Tangible Outcomes

Both projects were delivered on time, within budget, and with remarkable success. The Customer Satisfaction Survey provided valuable insights to KFC New Zealand, shaping their customer engagement strategies moving forward.

The Technology Unification Project allowed Restaurant Brands to standardise their operations across multiple regions, making their infrastructure more scalable and compliant with local legislation.

“KFC Global praised Alxemy’s ability to integrate with our team and lead with both heart and strategy,” said the Global Project Sponsor. “Cel didn’t just manage the project—she became an integral part of our team.”

Tariro’s leadership in the Technology Unification Project was equally impactful. “Thanks to Tariro, we navigated the complexity of working across time zones and local regulations with ease,” said Restaurant Brand’s Program Sponsor/CIO. “Alxemy’s ability to adapt to our culture and their strategic oversight made all the difference in delivering this project successfully.”

Alxemy—A Partner in Growth and Success

Alxemy’s role in supporting Restaurant Brands through these complex initiatives has solidified their position as a trusted partner. With their ability to integrate seamlessly into existing teams, manage complexity with precision, and deliver impactful results, Alxemy is more than just a project management service—they are an essential component of Restaurant Brands’ continued success.

“We see Alxemy as more than just a partner; they’re part of our team, driving our business forward,” said Restaurant Brand’s Program Sponsor/CIO. “Their commitment to our success is unmatched.”

Highlights from Cel’s PMI Judging Experience

  • 6 consecutive years as a PMI Global Awards judge
  • Assessed PMOs from a wide range of industries and geographies
  • Focus areas include PMO maturity, strategic value, innovation, and community impact
  • Believes sustainability and social contribution are essential components of modern project delivery

Elevating Project Delivery Worldwide

Cel has personally led teams of over 100 people, delivered 7,000+ projects, and embedded best-practice frameworks into large-scale consulting environments. Under her leadership, those projects were completed 100% within budget – a rare feat in the project world.

These accomplishments aren’t just numbers; they reflect a consistent commitment to strong governance, people leadership, and continuous improvement. As a PMI Judge, she brings this lens to the judging process – valuing not just flashy metrics, but long-term impact, adaptability, and cultural alignment.

“It’s not just about doing things right,” she notes. “It’s about doing the right things – for people, organisations, and the planet.”

Sustainability and Community Impact

One of the most meaningful aspects of the Global Awards for Cel is the emphasis on community impact and environmental sustainability. These are not just ‘nice to have’- they’re part of the core criteria for winning.

Cel has reviewed submissions from PMOs that have contributed to reducing pollution, lowering carbon footprints, and investing in local community wellbeing. In her eyes, this demonstrates the growing role PMOs play in creating a better world – not just a better business.

Looking Ahead: A Bigger Platform for Change

As Cel looks to the future, her focus is on growing awareness of the PMI Global Awards – both internationally and within New Zealand. She’s passionate about helping businesses and industries understand just how transformative good project management can be

“When project leadership is done well, it supports economic growth, creates jobs, and fosters innovation – while also helping to protect the environment. That’s the kind of leadership we need more of.”
Cel remains committed to promoting the value of PMOs as enablers of lasting progress. Whether it’s through governance, community initiatives, or sustainable delivery models, she believes PMOs have a vital role to play in shaping a better tomorrow.

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