A former Nando’s executive is joining Poolwerx as New Zealand’s first master franchisee.

Garth Parker takes on the role of NZ master franchisee, with a plan to grow the footprint to 40 stores in 10 years.

The New Zealand native will oversee the growth of the local market, taking charge of franchise development and identifying potential acquisitions.

He will also help existing franchisees grow their businesses, enhance the brand’s commercial presence on both islands and manage brand compliance.

He brings a strong background in franchising, most recently the general manager and director of Nando’s NZ, a NZD50 million retail brand he took from out of the red and into the black, doubling sales in five years.

Previously Parker held managerial positions with Red Rooster and Oporto, and health products retail chains Healthzone and Healthy Life in Sydney.

Parker and his wife Emily also ran their own successful chain of gourmet burger restaurants in Sydney in early 2000.

He will open his first Poolwerx store on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula on the North Island later this year.

Poolwerx global CEO John O’Brien said this agreement marks a significant step in the brand’s expansion in New Zealand.

“It was really important for us to have a Kiwi owning our New Zealand master franchise,” he said. “It’s a significant commitment to the growth and success of our brand in New Zealand, coming off the back of phenomenal growth in the last 12 months.”

Sales jumped 50 per cent year on year in 2020 and two new stores are primed to open soon on the North Island.

“Garth’s experience as a multi-site franchise partner and manager and director roles across a range of franchising brands has seen him build considerable knowledge across all areas of franchising and business functions,” said O’Brien.