Mega franchisee Collins Foods has appointed Xavier Simonet as MD and CEO. Simonet takes the reins on 4 November 2024.
Simonet brings a a global mindset and a track record of delivering operational performance, leading business transformation and executing mergers and acquisitions.
He has been CEO of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) since April 2021. Before that he led KMD Brands, and Kathmandu, was CEO at Radley London, group GM international at DBApparel in France and international director at Seafolly in Australia.
Collins Foods is a KFC and Taco Bell franchisee in Australia, KFC Netherlands corporate franchisee and KFC franchisee in Germany and Simonet brings language skills (he speaks French and studied German) and international experience to the multi-brand, multi-national franchisee.
Robert Kaye, chair of Collins Foods, said the search for the top role was comprehensive and global, and he praised Simonet’s capabilities, experience and respect in the market.
“His track record reflects his capability to successfully grow international brands and businesses while working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders,” Kaye said.
Simonet takes over from interim CEO Kevin Perkins who returned to the business when CEO Drew O’Malley exited the company for family reasons.
