Hot on the heels of Matthew Penforld's appointment as Chairman of franchise chain Kwik Kopy, former Snap Chief Growth Officer Sonia Shwabsky will move over to Kwik Kopy from March 14th. Shwabsky was with Snap for just over three years. Snap is also without a CEO since the recent departure of Richard Thame.
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| Sonia Shwabsky is the new CEO at Kwik Kopy Australia as from March 14th |
Kwik Kopy's former CEO, David Bell, left the company last month after seventeen years. At about the same time, Penfold scion Matthew Penfold returned to 'C' level following a spell running the Darling Harbour franchise of the company his father started in the 1980s.
The appointment of Sonia Shwabsky is a coup as she not only has extensive business experience here, in the USA and Central America, but knows quick printing, wide format and franchising from her time at Snap. She also knows how to foster and build brands, having worked for many years with iconic brands such as King Gee and Sarah Lee. She was instumental in bringing design platform Canva into the Snap franchises.
The full company statement follows:
Kwik Kopy Australia adds firepower to leadership team with Sonia Shwabsky as new CEO
Kwik Kopy, one of Australia’s most respected and successful franchise businesses, has announced Sonia Shwabsky as the CEO who will lead implementation of the company’s significant strategic plans for future growth.
Previously Chief Growth Officer with Snap Print and Design, Shwabsky brings to the role an in-depth franchise industry knowledge, business ownership experience, transformation strategy expertise, and strong alignment to Kwik Kopy’s relationship-based business model and growth agenda.
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| Matthew Penfold, Chairman |
“Sonia is a dynamic leader. Her energy and passion, together with her extraordinary experience and business acumen, make her a great asset to the business and we welcome her to the Kwik Kopy family,” said Kwik Kopy Chair Matthew Penfold.
Prior to working in senior roles at Snap for three years, Shwabsky has successfully worked across a range of industries, including 10 years transforming the iconic Australian King Gee workwear and uniform business.
She has also founded two businesses and been a franchisee, bringing hands-on experience and understanding of how to create and build successful small businesses for Kwik Kopy’s franchisees. Shwabsky is also recognised for her ability to incorporate innovative management techniques and people skills to create enhanced business practices, increased productivity and profits.
“This is a brilliant opportunity to work with a company in developing a vision and values that align with my own. Kwik Kopy is committed to growth and I am excited to play a part in what is shaping up to be a new era for the company,” said Shwabsky.
The appointment follows the departure of CEO David Bell and the appointment of Matthew Penfold as Chair and Annalise Andrews to the Kwik Kopy Australia board.
“On behalf of the board and shareholders of the company I want to express our sincere appreciation of the service that David has given over his many years to his team at Kwik Kopy Australia, to the many franchise owners he has supported, and to the board, shareholders and other stakeholders who have all greatly benefited from his calm, reliable and effective endeavours,” adds Penfold.
Kwik Kopy Australia is 100% Australian-owned and has been operated by the Penfold family since1982. The company has more than 90 print and design franchisee centres across the country that support local small and medium businesses by delivering a range of services from printing to graphic design to innovative online solutions.
