Parcel delivery franchise, Fastway Couriers has appointed its group managing director, Brem Ellingham as the company’s new chairman.  

The role is effective immediately, with Ellingham replacing founder Bill McGowan. While he has retired as chairman, McGowan will continue to fulfil the role of non-executive director.  

Ellingham has a long history with the Fastway brand – in 1993 he was appointed CEO of Fastway Couriers in New Zealand, and he joined the company’s Board in 1998.

The new role is in addition to Ellingham’s current position.

As chairman he will be responsible for the management and expansion of Fastway Global, which oversees the operation of the Fastway brand in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Northern Ireland and South Africa.

This role is particularly pertinent given Fastway’s focus on increasing its market penetration in the five countries in which it operates.

“I’m excited by my new role as chairman of Fastway Global and look forward to working closely with our management teams and the board to capitalise on the many opportunities available to us in this very dynamic market,” Ellingham said.  

“The growth in the online retail industry has played an important role in how Fastway has evolved to what it is today, and we’ll continue to provide innovative technology and solutions to domestic and international online retailers.”

Ellingham has served on the board of the Franchise Association of New Zealand, and was recognised as the Business Person of the Year at the Westpac Hawkes Bay Chamber of Commerce annual business awards in 2012.

“I’m passionate about franchising, and Fastway’s core strength is our franchise model which has driven the companies’ success and our franchise partners’ success,” he said.