Franchising.net.au:
Private equity business Navis Capital Partners is the company behind Wendy’s,
a 30 year old franchise system built on selling ice creams and hot dogs. It counts 256 stores in its Australian portfolio, and is a recognisable face in the retailing arena. Over the last few months it has embraced a strategy review, faced challenges from a band of franchisees vocal in their frustration over the performance of the franchisor, and appointed a new chief executive.
When Nicola Milne unexpectedly resigned as chief executive in April, Tom Beecroft, Wendy’s chairman, stepped in. The company took the opportunity while searching for her replacement to look at the organisation and, as Beecroft describes it, improve a number of areas. Other senior staff left the business, and consultants were brought on board. These included ex-CEO of The Coffee Club, Rod Wakefield who, in an advisory capacity has looked at developing Wendy’s into a more franchisee focused organisation.
For instance, there is now greater attention on providing regional support in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, to increase time that the franchise support team can spend with franchisees.