Kelly Blackmore-Lee appointed as head of compliance by bfa

The British Franchise Association (bfa) has announced the appointment of Kelly Blackmore-Lee (née Chambers) in the new role of head of compliance. She will work closely with the Association’s head of quality standards and compliance, Andrew Quail, before his retirement in April 2014 after 8 years as champion of the bfa’s standards of good practice in franchising.

Kelly, who holds a bachelors and masters degree in law, will bring more than seven years’ experience in senior positions within the franchise sector to her new role, which will see her manage the bfa’s financial function as well as its quality standards work upon Andrew’s retirement. She spent several years with kitchen retailer Dream Doors as franchise and operations director, and more recently worked as consultant franchise director with Shakeaway, with a focus on international expansion in the US and Middle East.

Kelly has previously been elected as a member of the bfa’s board of directors, including a stint as deputy chairman. This followed periods as chair of the Association’s Regional Committee and Finance & General Purposes Committee, as well as two years serving as Regional Chair for the South West.

Commenting on her appointment, Kelly said: “I am honoured to take up this position with the bfa. I’m passionate about upholding standards and ethics in franchising and can think of no better way than to take on this vital role.

“Andrew will be hugely missed by everyone associated with the bfa community, having been such a strong guardian of compliance for several years. But I believe my combination of legal and franchising experience gives me a strong background with which to take on the job, and I’m delighted to be initially working alongside Andrew, learning from his invaluable expertise.”

Brian Smart, the bfa’s director general, said: “The appointment of Kelly to the senior management team offers me and the board of directors a strong and energetic team to take on the essential standards work that Andrew Quail will be retiring from all too shortly.”
Kelly takes up her new position on Monday 30 September.