British Franchise Association names new chief executive

The British Franchise Association (bfa) has appointed Philippa (Pip) Wilkins as its new Chief Executive with effect from 6th April, succeeding Brian Smart who is retiring after 27 years in the role.

Pip Wilkins has been the Head of Operations for the bfa since 2013 and in the last year has covered many of the Chief Executive’s roles.

The appointment comes after an exhaustive recruitment programme in which Ms. Wilkins rose above many very well qualified candidates.

Pip Wilkins said: “I am delighted to have been appointed. There is no better time to be involved in franchising thanks to its strong recent growth, with the industry’s turnover up 11 per cent in the last two years and now exceeding £15bn.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to lead the bfa forward, building on its previous success and bringing a new vision and new ideas to increase the Association’s stature and influence.”

Chairman of the bfa, Simon Bartholomew, said: “Pip Wilkins has already contributed a great deal to the development and success of the bfa and it is only right she has won this opportunity to lead the bfa in its next stage of development.”