Former Fastway Couriers MD Richard Thame is taking on the role of CEO at Snap Franchising.

The print business announced Thame will take up his position on 16 December 2019.

Snap franchising has been without a CEO since the departure of Peter Sinodinos in June, after two years in the role. Chairman Peter Russell stepped in as interim CEO during the recruitment period.

Snap CEO a seasoned franchisor

Unlike his predecessor, who had substantial retail experience, Thame is a seasoned franchisor. He has more than 20 years’ experience in senior roles across a range of service industries. Prior to Fastway Couriers, Thame notched up experience with big name brands such as McDonald’s, Greater Union Cinemas and Thrifty Car Rental.

As MD at Fastway Couriers Thame led a repositioning of the business to become a leading supplier to Australia’s online retailers. When the business was sold three years ago to global logistics giant Aramex, Thame served as regional director for Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa.

Thame told Inside Franchise Business he is excited about the fresh opportunity.

“This is a huge, transformational time in the industry, and an amazing opportunity for Snap and Snap franchisees to take advantage. It’s one of the strongest brands with a great heritage.”

Asked what will be most important in the role, Thame said “I think it’s working with the franchisees together to craft a strategy to take the business forward. My experience is in both franchisor and high-volume and low-margin industries that have gone through change, enormous change. The key is to form a coherent strategy to take advantage of the opportunities ahead.”

Mark Lindsay, interim chairman of the Snap board, said “The business undertook an extensive and robust recruitment process with Richard being identified as the standout candidate with the credentials, skills and experience to lead the Snap business.”

Lindsay said Thame’s personal and business values are “deeply aligned’ with those of the board.