The British Franchise Association names Pip Wilkins as chief executive

The bfa has appointed Philippa Wilkins as the new chief executive, with effect from 6 April 2016. Philippa (Pip) has succeeded Brian Smart, who is retiring from the association after 27 years.

Pip, formerly the head of operations for the bfa since 2013, had been covering many of Brian Smart’s roles, so will hit the ground running. What’s more, Pip was up against many well-qualified candidates, but shone through during the exhaustive recruitment programme.

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 £15billion.

“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, commented: “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.”