In an historic appointment, the BFA (British Franchise Association) has voted Ruth Brown, COO of Home Instead, into the position as chair of the board of the BFA, only the second time a woman has held the position since the association was formed in 1977.
The vote followed the association’s annual general meeting in December 2025.
The first female chair was Pam Bader OBE, 28 years ago in 1996. Pam was the former CEO of Molly Maid UK.
Ruth takes over the position from outgoing chair Paul Thompson, founder of children’s swimming franchise, Water Babies.
Angie Coates of Monkey Music and Rachel Brooks from Swimtime, were both re-elected to their positions on the board and Caroline Gowing founder of Pink Spaghetti joined them as a newly elected board member.
Catharine Chalton, Home Instead and Jacqui Moore, McDonalds Restaurants, were both reappointed as franchisee board members.
Suzie McCafferty of Platinum Wave was also re-elected to the position as Advisor and Supplier Forum chair.
Ken Deary, Right at Home and Catharine Chalton of Home Instead were also re-elected to serve as the franchisor and franchisee representatives on the board of the EFF (European Franchise Federation).
Of her election Ruth said: “I’m honoured to be named as the BFA’s next chair and to follow in the footsteps of those who have served with dedication in this role. I am looking forward to working closely alongside Pip, who is an inspirational figurehead for franchising and the wider BFA team.
My commitment to the BFA’s membership is that I will continue to champion franchising in all its forms, celebrate the opportunities it creates and advocate for greater awareness of the amazing contribution it makes to the business community and to the lives of so many people.”
CEO of the BFA, Pip Wilkins QFP said: “It is great news that Ruth has been appointed as chair of the BFA, and I know the entire association will benefit from her enormous experience in the franchise sector. She has played a leading role in steering Home Instead through substantial growth, embracing multi-unit franchising across the brand and I know she is going to be a steady, guiding hand for the board throughout her tenure.”
