Snap on a new CEO

Ending a ten-year reign as the head of one of Australia’s largest print franchises, Grant Vernon will be stepping down as CEO to make room for his planned successor, Stephen Edwards.

Currently chief operating officer for Snap Franchising Ltd (SFL), Edwards’ transition into the top seat has been on the cards for years. He will officially assume the role as Snap CEO following the company’s AGM on 31 October.

According to Vernon, the joint decision with the Board is part of Snap’s evolution. Since Edwards was appointed COO around four years ago, a planned succession process was put in the works if and when the opportunity came around.

“It’s been a very successful 10 years for the group, and I feel that Steve is well and truly ready to step up into this role. I am sure Snap will go onto even greater heights.

“This is part of the continual planning that goes into running and growing a company the size of Snap and it is really business as usual for us from here,” he says.

Within his decade long tenure, Vernon has led the charge shifting the franchise beyond printing into an advertising and marketing services provider. Snap franchisees can deliver a complete package solution, rather than just print work.

Over the next six months, Snap’s support teams currently in Perth will soon join the sales and operations departments in Sydney. “Moving the current Perth functions to Sydney will enhance accessibility of the corporate team for most franchise owners and we believe being in the one location will also make our team more effective.

“SFL is working with employees and franchises to communicate these changes and ensure all necessary support is provided during this transition,” says Grant.

Now with some free time he is planning on having some time off, as his last big break from work was a mandatory year off ten years ago to accommodate his transition into Snap as CEO.

Alan Good, SFL Chairman says Vernon has been a major contributor to the company’s continued growth and success. “The company is coming off a strong year and has an excellent underlying business which is set to go onwards and upwards thanks to the position Grant leaves it in.

“The Board and shareholders of SFL express their sincere thanks to Grant. He has been with SFL for more than ten years and despite challenging market conditions the company has produced sound results during that time,” says Good.