RICHARD THAME - NSW/ACT STATE PRESIDENT
CouriersPlease CEO Richard Thame has an outstanding, more than 20-year track record in driving success for franchised and national companies, and decades of experience in executive leadership, franchise excellence and logistics. Over the last twenty years Richard has held leadership roles in a variety of franchise systems including McDonald’s, Thrifty Car Rental and Fastway Couriers.
In his role as Group Managing Director at Fastway Couriers, Richard had responsibility for franchise organisations in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa. This gave him the opportunity to meet with franchisors and franchisees in many diverse markets. Richard has played an active role in the franchise community, and currently serves as the NSW Convenor of the FCA Chief Executive Syndicate.
NSW/ACT STATE CHAPTER COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Andrew Benefield
Currently the Chief Development Officer for Chatime Group, Andrew has over 30 years of franchising and leasing experience having worked as a business owner, employee, franchisor and franchisee with numerous global franchise brands including Caltex, Pizza Hut, KFC, Mrs. Fields, and of course Chatime.
During that time he has navigated many of the issues facing franchising including the many changes to regulation, challenges in stimulating franchise growth and facing financial crisis. He has coached and supported many new franchise systems through is time with Frandata and Action Coach
Through the many companies he has worked with he has been associated with the Franchise Council of Australia for over 25 years and is a strong believer in the support and strength that comes from a strong franchise community. He would like to see more opportunities to support and develop the franchise leaders of the future.
Andy Barrett
With over nine years at Redcat and serving on the Franchise Council of Australia's NSW Chapter Committee, our team's commitment to customer service excellence has been unwavering. As State Sales Manager, I've fostered a customer-centric environment that not only meets but exceeds expectations, ensuring that every partnership is nurtured to its full potential. Together with my colleagues, we've cultivated a robust, service-driven culture that thrives on shared goals and diverse perspectives.
Caitlin Bancroft
Caitlin Bancroft is the Chief Marketing Officer for Collective Wellness Group (CWG), joining the business in July 2021. In her time at CWG, Caitlin had led the marketing for Anytime Fitness, XTEND and SUMHIIT Fitness. Prior to CWG, Caitlin has held Senior Marketing leadership positions at Blackmores, Revlon Cosmetics, and Vitaco Health, with her early career spent in the advertising industry working on brands such as Nike, Diet Coke and news.com.au.
As well as being a consumer-centric, commercially astute, strategic, and innovative Senior Executive, Caitlin is also passionate about health and wellness and inspiring others to be their best selves. Through her role at CWG she has the opportunity to marry her dual passions of brand marketing and health and wellness every day in her work.
As well as being a consumer-centric, commercially astute, strategic, and innovative Senior Executive, Caitlin is also passionate about health and wellness and inspiring others to be their best selves. Through her role at CWG she has the opportunity to marry her dual passions of brand marketing and health and wellness every day in her work.
Charlie Duffill
23 years of Australian Franchise Retail experience for Delifrance, New Zealand Natural and Foodco Group, covering Leasing, Property, Franchise Sales, Business Management and Operations.
Prior to this had long term management experience for McDonalds Restaurants and GAP clothing in the UK.
A passionate advocate for Franchising and the need for both Franchisees and Franchisors to work towards common goals with clarity of understanding and a combined drive to build businesses that benefit both individuals and communities.
Charlie also currently teaches Finance and Business Management on the Initial Franchisee training programmes at the Foodco Centre for Retail Excellence, delivering training to over 100 Franchisees per year, through the Foodco systems.
Franchise Specific Strengths:
Deep understanding of the legal frameworks around Franchise Agreements, Licence Agreements and Retail Tenancy Acts for shopping centre leases.
Experienced retail lease negotiator.
Experienced in retail mediation processes and the need for non-adversarial solutions to complex differences.
Franchisee financial health and driving franchised retail businesses to success.
Qualifications:
MBA – Australian Graduate School of Management – UNSW – (Graduated 2013)
BPhil – University of Glamorgan (Wales) – (Graduated 1993)
Jason Stubbings
With over half a decade of dedicated experience in the franchise industry and 2 years having already been part of the FCA NSW Chapter, I bring a wealth of expertise to the NSW State Chapter. My tenure has been marked by successful ventures and a deep understanding of the intricacies of franchise operations and compliance. Throughout my career, I have honed valuable skills in franchise development, brand management, and strategic growth planning. My ability to navigate complex market trends and capitalise on emerging opportunities has consistently driven positive results.
I have a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and nuances that define this vibrant sector. My strong analytical capabilities, coupled with a strategic mindset, enable me to craft effective solutions and propel businesses towards sustainable growth. Additionally, my track record of fostering strong, collaborative relationships with stakeholders highlights my commitment to fostering unity and driving collective success within the industry.
If re-elected into the NSW State Chapter, I am poised to contribute meaningfully, share valuable insights, and collaborate towards enhancing the collective knowledge and success of the franchise community.
Joel Marshall
Joel leads the Franchising team at Hitch Advisory, providing legal support and strategic business advice to establishing and mature franchisors and franchisees.
Joel has over 12 years’ experience across both Australia and New Zealand with a focus on Franchising, Competition and Consumer Law, Business Transactions and Structuring, Disputes and General Commercial Advisory. Joel is a trusted adviser to SME’s through to multinational conglomerates regularly providing valued business insights and legal support on both Australian and New Zealand franchise and business dealings.
In his down time, Joel likes spending time with his family, surfing and exploring the great outdoors.
Matt Fitzpatrick
Matt Fitzpatrick is the Brand Leader for Signarama in Australia, and was appointed in May 2022. Matt’s history with Starpoint Brands dates back to 2004 when he became the first Australian EmbroidMe franchisee (before it rebranded to Fully Promoted). He established and grew the store as the number 1 store in Australia for the following decade before selling the business and joining head office as National Operations Director. After a 7 year stint in the mortgage industry, Matt has returned to lead the Signarama brand through its next level of growth.
Nicholas Woodward
Racha Abboud
Racha Abboud is a Partner at Baybridge and co-leader of the Commercial and Franchise team. A strategic advisor to businesses in Australia and internationally, Racha works with some of Australia’s most prominent brands, across various industries such as food, retail, fitness, pharmacy, automotive, and real estate. A leading authority in business and franchising, Racha challenges the status quo and delivers legal, and business advisory services uniquely tailored for each client.
In recognition of her professional achievements, Racha was named a Finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Commercial Partner of the Year in 2020, a Finalist in both, the Lawyers Weekly and Australian Lawyers Partner of the Year for Mentoring in 2023 and a Finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Corporate Partner of the Year in 2024. Racha Abboud was recently included in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia for Franchise Law.
Peter Dable
A credible, hands-on and growth-oriented leader that values and engages all stakeholders. Strategic, solution-focused, innovative and value-adding. Strong focus on mentoring staff to encourage independent decision making and to maintain focus on key business outcomes.
Strong stakeholder management both up and down, delivering profitable outcomes for all partners. Experienced in delivering profitable outcomes for Private Equity owners during ownership and exit.
Strong stakeholder management both up and down, delivering profitable outcomes for all partners. Experienced in delivering profitable outcomes for Private Equity owners during ownership and exit.
Rosie Canty
Robert Cameron
Wet-seal is Australia’s largest waterproofing franchisor, and we do what others can’t. Powered by a progressive and innovative board, our first-of-its-kind waterproofing system is a game-changer for builders, renovators, and construction companies.
I know that saving time and protecting reputation is critical in today’s building industry. Where historically most waterproofing systems use two coats applied over two days, Wet-seal does it differently. Our process involves one coat, followed by a protective fabric, and finished with another coat – all of which can be applied in a single day. Builders get valuable time back and can proceed with confidence, knowing our waterproofing membranes are BRANZ appraised, independently tested, and meet Australian Standards.
For me, it’s about maximising productivity, whether through our product or as CEO. I leverage my operational expertise to refine and simplify processes and reduce expenses without compromising service. I don’t cut costs for the sake of it! Instead, I see the many moving parts and figure out how they best fit together while remaining flexible.
Supportive and generous, I elevate strategic partnerships, influence leadership teams, and manage economic cost implications. Drawing on my decades-long career in wholesale and retail within the Building and Construction industry, I lead strategy development and implement resource management best practices to ensure continuous improvement while empowering others to reach their potential.
I have a knack for uncovering what drives people, and, naturally empathetic, I recognise what that means for their future within or outside of business. I back my team and genuinely want to make a difference.
I know that saving time and protecting reputation is critical in today’s building industry. Where historically most waterproofing systems use two coats applied over two days, Wet-seal does it differently. Our process involves one coat, followed by a protective fabric, and finished with another coat – all of which can be applied in a single day. Builders get valuable time back and can proceed with confidence, knowing our waterproofing membranes are BRANZ appraised, independently tested, and meet Australian Standards.
For me, it’s about maximising productivity, whether through our product or as CEO. I leverage my operational expertise to refine and simplify processes and reduce expenses without compromising service. I don’t cut costs for the sake of it! Instead, I see the many moving parts and figure out how they best fit together while remaining flexible.
Supportive and generous, I elevate strategic partnerships, influence leadership teams, and manage economic cost implications. Drawing on my decades-long career in wholesale and retail within the Building and Construction industry, I lead strategy development and implement resource management best practices to ensure continuous improvement while empowering others to reach their potential.
I have a knack for uncovering what drives people, and, naturally empathetic, I recognise what that means for their future within or outside of business. I back my team and genuinely want to make a difference.
Sean O'Donnell
Sean is the national head of the firm’s Franchising and Retail Group and specialises in franchising law and commercial disputes, including regulatory investigations by the ACCC and ASIC. His client base and practice is national and he regularly assists clients with advice and disputes across the country.
Sean is best known for his specialised expertise within the franchising sector. He was the President of the NSW/ACT Chapter of the FCA and a director of the FCA sitting on the national board between 2012-2017. Sean is the trusted legal advisor to numerous well known retailers, franchisors, master franchisees and IP brand owners and provides advice on contentious and non contentious issues including compliance, competition and consumer law and international expansion. He has also been involved in many significant and complex disputes over the past decade for well known retail and corporate clients (both listed and non listed) , including successfully defending the first Federal Court ‘fast track’ class action.
Sean is a trained mediator and has participated in numerous OFMA and commercial mediations. He has a proven record of resolving disputes, often without the need for litigation. He also provides expert opinion on franchise related matters for litigated disputes.
Sean has been peer recognised on several occasions in Who’s Who Legal – International Franchising, including the 2016 edition, as one of the leading franchise lawyers in the world. Recently he was recognised as a ‘Thought Leader’ in franchising by Who’s Who Legal where clients commended him on his “incredible market understanding“, “commercial and practical advice” and “his superb litigation abilities“. Sean has been named in Best Lawyers™ Australia for Franchise Law.
Sonia Shwabsky
Sonia Shwabsky, CEO of Kwik Kopy Australia, boasts 20+ years of experience in corporate leadership and entrepreneurial tech settings. Former Chief Growth Officer at Snap Print & Design, she spearheaded a digital transformation. With a knack for innovative management, Sonia cultivates vibrant business cultures, boosts team engagement, and enhances productivity and profits. Having founded two businesses and served as a franchise owner, she brings hands-on experience and a profound understanding of the value of creativity and ambition to business owners. Join Sonia at “Franchising on the Edge” for insights into fostering innovation and creative thinking.