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Craveable Brands CEO resigns

Sarah Stowe

Craveable Brands group CEO and director Brett Houldin is stepping down after five years with the three-brand fast food business.

Houldin joined craveable brands as finance director and COO in 2014. Three years later he was promoted to group CEO, tasked with leading the transformation of the three iconic Aussie brands, Red Rooster, Oporto and Chicken Treat.

In July 2019 the business gained a new owner, PAG Asia Capital. Houldin successfully led the business to a fully franchised model, rolling out an extensive delivery and digital transformation and growing both the domestic and international store networks.

Houldin will step down as group CEO, effective Friday, 29 November 2019.

Karen Bozic appointed group CEO

Experienced retail executive Karen Bozic will take on the role of group chief at craveable brands from Monday 9 December.

Bozic was most recently the GM of retail operations at Caltex Australia. She was responsible for the operation of Caltex’s 800 sites and a driving force in the chain’s transformation to become a convenience retailer.

In her executive roles Bozic has also taken other big name retailers, Woolworths, Big W and Rebel Sport, through complex and transformational change.

Bozic has a breadth of experience across multiple areas such as operations, strategy, finance, transformation, property, IT, supply chain, HR, safety and legal.

“I am honoured and excited to lead craveable brands and the 13,000 people who own, operate, and work across our incredible and iconic Aussie brands,” she said.

Brett Houldin said “We are fortunate to have someone of Karen’s calibre and experience lead craveable brands into the next phase of growth.

“Our brands are in a position of strength and this is the ideal time to hand over leadership to effectively implement our strategy and take advantage of the market opportunities ahead. Karen is a highly qualified and market respected executive with a proven track record of execution.”

CEO changeover

Lincoln Pan, a partner at PAG Asia Capital, said the business is delighted to have Bozic on board as group CEO.

“Karen is an incredibly talented executive who brings extensive franchising experience and leadership to our franchise partners and craveable brands. She is an outstanding communicator who will bring new energy to our partners and team.

“Brett Houldin has been an exemplary partner for us both in the transaction process and in the three months since our investment. He is a world class executive and individual who we wish the very best in his future endeavours.”