New COO for Fastway Couriers

Fastway Couriers has appointed Richard Thame as Chief Operating Officer of the group’s Australian operation. Taking the reigns from the franchising giant’s Global Chairman and Founder, Bill McGowan, Thame will steer the group’s largest network, comprised of some 25 Regional Franchisees and over 600 Courier Franchisees, through an increasingly challenging business environment.

McGowan, renowned as one of the forefathers of franchising in Australia and New Zealand, has spent the last 3 months heading up the Australian arm of his multi-million dollar global franchise organisation during the lengthy process to select a new leader.

Commenting on the group’s decision to appoint Thame, McGowan says, “Fastway Australia is the group’s largest revenue generator. Naturally we require an exceptional leader to maintain consistency of service to our valued customers and to continue to drive our plans for expansion” he says. “Richard’s broad franchising experience, teamed with his operational expertise is a winning combination that we’re confident will deliver results.”

Having personally built what is today the world’s largest Courier Franchise organisation from scratch over 25 years ago, McGowan had every reason to take his time in selecting the right person to lead his Australian business. “Back in 1983 in New Zealand I started all of this with 3 vans, providing a cost effective courier service in the Hawkes Bay Region” says the 55 year old Franchise Council of Australia’s ‘Hall of Fame’ inductee. “It took untold levels of tenacity, commitment and passion to grow the business to where it stands today” he says. “Richard consistently demonstrates these qualities in abundant measure, which is why I’m now confident to ‘pass the baton’ so to speak”.

Prior to his appointment, Thame spent the past year in the role of Chief Executive Officer within Fastway’s largest Australian Regional Franchise - Sydney. Drawing on his solid franchising background developed with organisations including McDonald’s and Thrifty Car Rental, Thame was instrumental in turning around what is arguably the nucleus of Fastway’s network. “Operating a 15,000sqm facility manned by over 180 Courier Franchisees, delivering in excess of 135,000 parcels each week, remains one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my career” says the 38 year old.

Thame is firm in his belief that it’s an exciting time to take the lead at Fastway. “Fastway’s global turnover this year is $441 million, up from $385 million last year” says the new COO. “Despite current economic conditions, Fastway Australia is experiencing substantial growth, so much so that we have a number of new Regional and Courier Franchises now available throughout the country.”

In addition to this organic expansion, Thame believes there is even more growth in store for the courier services franchise giant. “The current business climate presents a real opportunity for organisations like Fastway to gain significant market share” says Thame. “With business owners both large and small seeking greater cost and operational efficiencies, providers who deliver superior service at an economical price point, are best placed to secure a greater share of wallet,” he says. “Unlike our traditional competitors, Fastway offers total transparency in our pricing, ensuring that our customers are not slugged with hidden costs.”

Following a month long hand over, McGowan will return to his home in Monaco to focus on global operations. “It’s always great to be back in Australia for an extended period of time, but with operations now running across 9 other counties including our new baby, South Africa, it’s time for me to get back” says the globetrotting Kiwi who calls Australia home during Summer each year!