Irish Franchise Association announce New Chairman and new Executive Director

The Irish Franchise Association announces the appointment of their new Chairman, David Killeen and new Executive Director, Tom Shanahan. Tom Shanahan succeeds former CEO, Michael Bradley as Executive Director and David Killeen succeeds John Green who retired as Chairman of the Association after a very prolific term of office which spanned a full decade. During this time the Irish Franchise Association has grown from strength to strength with a marked increase in turnover for the

Irish Franchise Association announce New Chairman and new Executive Director

The Irish Franchise Association announces the appointment of their new Chairman, David Killeen and new Executive Director, Tom Shanahan.  Tom Shanahan succeeds former CEO, Michael Bradley as Executive Director and David Killeen succeeds John Green who retired as Chairman of the Association after a very prolific term of office which spanned a full decade.

During this time the Irish Franchise Association has grown from strength to strength with a marked increase in turnover for the sector to in excess of eur2 billion with over 270 active franchise systems in Ireland providing over 25,000 jobs.  The Irish Franchise Association also now boasts a modern new corporate identity, new website, membership growth, progressive strategy papers and an impressive annual awards ceremony.  The Irish Franchise Association represents one of the few growth industry sectors during these recessionary times.  The mission of the Irish Franchise Association is to develop and promote best practice franchising and create an environment within which franchise businesses can grow.

David Killeen, Chairman of the Irish Franchise Association is managing partner of Killeen & Associates, franchise consultants. He holds a B.Comm from UCD, Diploma in Strategic Planning through the IMI and is a graduate member of the IITD. As General Manager, Retail Brands Division of Vantage Wholesale, David was instrumental in launching the Costcutter retail brand in Ireland. Subsequently as franchise development manger with Statoil he developed the first business format franchise in the convenience store sector under the Fareplay retail brand. While at Statoil David was mentored and coached through best practice franchise principles by international franchise experts from America.  David Killeen comments Continued membership growth underlines the strength of the franchise sector in spite of uncertain economic times.  Our strategy over the next year will focus on driving membership while promoting ethical franchising through best practice

Tom Shanahan, Executive Director of the Irish Franchise Association, is a Director and co owner of Kendlebell in Ireland. He has a BBS from Trinity, is a member of the Marketing Institute of Ireland and is a qualified chartered accountant.  Before setting up Kendlebell in Ireland, Tom Shanahan held a number of general management positions including the role of Chief Executive of Eirpage, Director of European Wireless Operations for Motorola and Managing Director of Software Paths and Zomax in Ireland.

Further Appointments to the Irish Franchise Association Board of Directors include Michael Kearney as Deputy Chairman, Alan Sheehan and Tony FitzPatrick take up new positions on the board and Bill Holohan will continue as Legal Advisor.  John Green, Andy Hennessey and Collette Pennick will remain on the Board of Directors for another term.

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