EXECUTIVE TEAM
Tanya Robertson
Tanya is the CEO Franchise Development at BDC Partners and is a proven senior executive with over 25 years’ experience in both the corporate and franchising sectors. Tanya has worked with some of Australia’s best-known franchise and retail brands across a broad range of industries including pharmacy, convenience, QSR, bulky goods, fashion retail and beauty.
Tanya has worked for relatively small franchisors to help grow critical mass to ensure ongoing success, and for large established franchisors working to remain innovative and responsive to their franchisees and customers.
Tanya has been an active elected member of the Franchise Council of Australia Victorian Chapter for over ten years, serving as Vice-President for six years and now as President. In addition to being a past judge of the FCA Awards, Tanya has recently received her Certified Franchise Executive accreditation, the only internationally recognised accreditation program for franchise executives.
Narelle Little
With over 25 years of experience in accounting, finance, and business advisory, Narelle is a CFO specialising in Software Development, Technology and Services. She is committed to optimising business systems and profitability for small to medium businesses.
Narelle brings a wealth of professional credentials, including Chartered Accountant, Chartered Management Accountant, Certified Adviser, and BAS agent, reflecting her profound commitment to excellence and precision.
Her proactive approach creates robust corporate governance structures, high-impact reporting, and cash flow management to drive profitability and sustainable growth.
As the Founder of UpScale Advisory, she is dedicated to leveraging my wealth of corporate finance acumen, expertise in forecast and budget modelling, mastery of cash flow management, and keen insight into innovation. These attributes enable her to provide bespoke advisory services tailored to the unique needs of growing SMEs. Her client-centric approach involves designing and executing strategic blueprints, optimising and streamlining operational models, resolving intricate accounting challenges, and orchestrating and implementing process-driven automated systems.
LJ Loch
With 35 years of experience in business and government, LJ Loch is one of Asia Pacific's most experienced and trusted reputation protection and amplification specialists. LJ has a strong ESG framework and a proven track record of delivering results in highly sensitive and complex environments.
As the Executive Chair and Founder of Alpha Consult Global, LJ leads a team of reputation ninjas who are experts in media, government, and influencer relations. Whether it is litigation, crisis, or stakeholder engagement, LJ helps the FCA to provide context, nuance, and experience that shape and protect our clients' most valuable asset: their reputation.
LJ is also proudly Head of Comms and Media for the Australian Federation of Travel Agents, representing Australia's Travel Professionals.
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Helen Alfa
Helen Alfa is a highly motivated business leader with a successful track record in small business development and franchise operations. Helen started her career in health, fitness, and wellness over 35 years ago in the weight loss and fitness industries, as a sales manager and group fitness instructor, and successfully owned a gym franchise for six years which she sold to a large fitness chain. More recently, Helen was National Franchise Manager at Fernwood Women’s Health Clubs, and was responsible for franchise development and growth. A previous member of the FCA’s Victoria/Tasmania Chapter, Helen now works at the FCA as State Manager for Victoria/South Australia/Tasmania and as National Membership Manager.
Lisa Saville
Lisa's previous experience covers managing logistics and teams, Not for Profit organisations as well as working with executives leaders and volunteer teams for over 25+ years. As a high functioning, manager and capable leader, Lisa enjoys the opportunity to work in management and growth with a highly recognised and regarded companies.
Vlasta Tezak-Brown
A highly motivated professional that specialises in education, training and people management/leadership, Vlasta leads Education at The Franchise Council of Australia.
A qualified trainer and assessor, Vlasta has developed and delivered a variety accredited and non -accredited courses, across a variety platforms (online & face to face).
Vlasta prides herself on her ability to inspire others to achieve professional growth, and hold a strong belief that every one has a “ super power” that with the right leadership they too, can achieve individual brilliance.
My finely honed communication and interpersonal skills enable me to work with a broad range of stakeholders and “get the job done “ attitude supports my success.