Ralph Edwards has joined the board of Zarraffa’s Coffee board, replacing outgoing chairman, Terry Wimberley, who has retired as chair and director of leasing with the Australian owned franchise chain.

Edwards is president of the Queensland chapter of the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) and director of the FCA’s national board.

Zarraffa’s Coffee CEO, Kenton Campbell, believes Edwards appointment will mark a new chapter for the company.

“The addition of Mr Edwards will bring a strong hands on franchising, retail and supply chain background with a track record of success in guiding growing businesses,” Campbell said.

“This, combined with his wide ranging experience on a number of boards and significant franchise industry involvement, will provide a balanced perspective of where the company should be heading now and into the future.”

Edwards said he was attracted to Zarraffa’s because of its stability through difficult economic conditions.

“Zarraffa’s currently boasts 70 stores and is now expanding into new markets such as Western Australia and North Queensland,” he said.

“Broadening the base of the company into interstate and regional locations presents some new challenges that need to be carefully managed across the organisation.”

With the retail environment is still volatile, Campbell said Edward’s experience in property leasing and tenant advocacy has arrived at an opportune time.

“Experienced leadership and management will be critical to our operation as we edge closer to reaching the one hundred store milestone,” said Campbell.