Fastway Couriers’ MD Richard Thame has left the business after a decade with the franchise network.

The GM of franchising and operations Australia, Will Erasmus, and the director of franchise development, David Ciantar, have also left the firm.

The courier network has been owned since 2016 by global transport and logistics firm Aramex.

The head of Aramex South Africa, Andy van der Velde, becomes regional director and takes on Richard Thame’s responsibilities across South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland.

Peter Lipinski, CEO of Fastway Couriers Australia, told Inside Franchise Business he is restructuring roles as part of a bigger strategy shift. Lipinski said the franchise model is “an attractive model for different regions” around the world, with Aramex’ home base – the Middle East – under consideration.

Speaking to Inside Franchise Business Thame reflected on his time with the courier brand.

“I’ve had a wonderful 10 years with Fastway, where we experienced enormous growth in sales and earnings for franchisees and were able to position the business as a leading player, supporting many of Australia’s best known online retail brands.”

Thame affirmed his belief in both the Fastway business and the franchising sector.

“Fastway has a great leadership team  in place and I’ve decided that now is the right time for me to look for new opportunities in the sector.

“I feel strongly that now more than ever franchising needs strong leadership  I’m extremely passionate about franchising and despite the challenges the industry has faced this year, I am a believer that the best years lie ahead for franchisors that are prepared to invest in their brands and provide the right support structures for their franchisees.”