Gold Coast’s Retail Food Group appoint Richard Hinson to role of chief executive for Australia

RETAIL Food Group has appointed a New Australian boss — but he’s not available to talk about his plans for the company as it faces crippled share prices, disgruntled franchisees, two potential class actions and changes to reporting rules that could hurt its bottom line.

Richard Hinson is Retail Food Group's new Chief Executive — Australia. Photo: Richard Gosling

RETAIL Food Group has appointed a New Australian boss — but he’s not available to talk about his plans for the company as it faces crippled share prices, disgruntled franchisees, two potential class actions and changes to reporting rules that could hurt its bottom line.

The company issued a statement last week announcing former Metcash supermarkets general manager Richard Hinson had started in the newly-created role of chief executive for Australia.

The statement contained glowing praise from managing director Andre Nell, but nothing from Mr Hinson, who was available for a photo but not an interview.

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Retail Food Group managing director Andre Nell and chairman Colin Archer during the company's annual general meeting in Southport in November.

In the statement, Mr Nell said the position was a created as a result of the group’s business-wide review.

“One of the primary objectives of that review is to find ways to better support our franchisees to ensure their businesses remain profitable and sustainable in a challenging retail market,” he said.

“Richard has been brought on board to assist with the review and lead implementation of key

recommendations which result from it.

“This new position reiterates RFG’s commitment to enhancing its leadership team to better

assure the long term sustainability of not only our business, but that of our many franchise partners around the country.”

Pressed for an interview with Mr Hinson, RFG’s head of corporate communications and investor relations Sara Bradford said Mr Hinson “isn’t comfortable providing any comment over and above the below at this early stage of his appointment”.

The company sent an emailed response on his behalf that did not address questions of the challenges he faced in the important new role.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with fantastic franchise brands and the talented group of passionate professionals at the Retail Food Group, “ the response said.

“I look forward to leveraging my past experience to help with the transitional journey that the Retail Food Group has already embarked on.

“I’m passionate about partnering with small family businesses to assist them to achieve their financial goals while remaining the `centre’ of their local communities.

“I also strongly believe that Australians want to support vibrant and dynamic business owners and brands, ensuring a bright future and ongoing employment opportunities for generations to follow.”

RFG have brands including Donut King, Gloria Jeans, Michel’s Patisserie, Crust Gourmet Pizza and Pizza Capers.

The company has also created another new executive role, announcing Darren Dench would be global head of coffee.

RFG last month copped a $445 million plunge in market value in the wake of damaging allegations surrounding their franchise model.

The company is yet to release a guidance for the full 2018 financial year and are still preparing the results for the first half. Shares were trading at $2.01 at market close on Thursday.