About
The Irish Franchise Association

The Irish Franchise Association is the only self-regulatory body within the Irish franchise sector, with a standards based approach to its membership. As a voluntary body we don’t have the resources to regulate the industry overall. However, we do regulate our members and accredit them only when we are satisfied that the minimum best practice standards have been achieved and our members subscribe to the European Code of Ethics on franchising.

Activities

  • Accrediting members and regulating standards of membership.
  • Promoting the franchise sector.
  • Running the annual Irish Franchise Awards.
  • Delivering information member webinars and seminars/roadshows on key topics and challenges within franchising.
  • Facilitating Franchisor Forums and focus groups throughout the year.
  • Securing commercial sponsorship for the Association’s activities.
  • Holding an AGM and members meeting annually.
  • Hosting and regularly updating information content on our website.
  • Sharing of franchise news and stories on our social media channels.
  • Introduce members to new franchise concepts entering the Irish market.
  • Refer online franchise enquiries to our member franchisors.
  • Hold regular board meetings in line with the Association’s constitution.
  • Liaise with various commercial services divisions of International Departments of Commerce.

Governance & Board of Directors

The Board of Directors oversees the operation of the Irish Franchise Association and is made up of fully paid up members of the Association. The board members deal with developing the strategy for the Association and mobilising resource to deliver on that strategy. They oversee the financial management of the Associations activities and are responsible for the governance of those financial activities. Our current board composition is as follows:

DAVID KILLEEN

Chief Executive Officer

David Killeen is managing partner of Killeen Sisk franchise specialists, a business consultancy firm specialising in franchising, business systemisation and growth strategies. He is also owner of Killeen & Associates Consultants. He holds a B.Comm from UCD, Diploma in Strategic Planning through the IMI and is a graduate member of the IITD. Killeen & Associates provide a complete consultancy service to businesses considering possible strategies to scale their business, with specialist expertise in business format franchising.

BARRY SISK

Chairperson

Barry Sisk is Managing Director of FWS Consulting, a consulting business focusing on business structures and expansion. He is also a managing partner with KilleenSisk, a business consultancy firm specialising in franchising, business systemisation and growth strategies.


He is an experienced executive with over 25 years management expertise in the franchise sector including working with McDonald’s corporate as Head of Franchise for Ireland and Musgrave as franchise development manager. Barry has gained market leading expertise working alongside franchise business owners through supporting them in developing their business and teams to manage multisite units and to grow their business significantly.

BRIAN LEE

Director

Brian Lee is one of Ireland’s most well respected and exciting entrepreneurs. From an early age, Brian has shown a flair for enterprise that has seen him start and grow a range of successful businesses in property, retail and fitness.

 

Starting with one unit on Dublin’s Baggot St. in 2012, Freshly Chopped has been one of Ireland’s most successful start-ups. In his role as CEO, Brian has overseen all elements of the brand’s stellar growth throughout Ireland, the UK and Cyprus.

 

Brian’s most recent venture NEAT Pizza, with initial locations in Smithfield and Fairview. NEAT offers authentic Neapolitan stone baked pizzas & the concept is underpinned by a commitment to improving the lives of those within the local communities.

KARL FITZPATRICK

Director

Karl Fitzpatrick is the Master Franchisee of Bricks 4 Kidz in Ireland. Bricks 4 Kidz is the world’s leader in the provision of educational play programmes for children. He is the Managing Director of Chevron Training & Recruitment, one of Ireland’s largest private training providers. Karl is also the President of Wexford Chamber of Commerce and the presenter of Business Matters, South East Radio’s flagship business programme.

BRENDAN DUIGENAN

Director

Brendan is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 25 years of experience, having held senior leadership roles in renowned coffee chains such as Starbucks and AMT Coffee. 

In 2019, he was recruited by Esquires- The Organic Coffee Co. as Head of Operations. In this role, he implemented innovative systems and processes for franchisees, reducing operational costs while ensuring the brand stayed at the forefront of technology and innovation. 


Brendan was appointed Managing Director of Esquires- The Organic Coffee Co. in Ireland in June 2024. Currently overseeing 19 stores across the Ireland and 2 in Portugal, he is dedicated to expanding the brand's franchise portfolio with a focus on individual entrepreneurship and community engagement. 


Brendan's leadership emphasizes exceptional service, top-quality food, and organic, Fairtrade coffee, remaining steadfast in delivering Esquires’ core values even in challenging times. His visionary approach and commitment to excellence are pivotal in driving the brand’s growth and success. 

DONAL HEALY

Director

Donal Healy is Director and Co-Owner of Munster Tool Co. The business was established in 1980 and has its headquarters and distribution Centre in Mallow.

CAROLINE WALLACE

Director

Caroline is the Managing Director of Recognition Express Ireland. She has over 20 years’ experience in best practice franchising from her role as MD and in her previous 15 years as MD of The Zip Yard Franchising Ireland. Recognition Express has been supplying the Irish hospitality, retail and healthcare industry with name badges, ID cards, promotional products and interior signage since 1988. Caroline is passionate about franchising and an advocate for supporting women in business. 

DAVE MCCARTHY

Director

With over 20 year’s of experience in business banking and a strong background in financial strategy, Dave McCarthy brings a wealth of experience to the Irish Franchise Association. As a senior leader in business banking, Dave has a deep understanding of funding solutions, business growth strategies and the financial needs of franchisors and franchisees. 



In addition to a leadership role in banking, Dave is committed to supporting the development of the franchising sector in Ireland. As a Director, Dave advocates for best practices, facilitates industry collaboration and works to enhance the franchise ecosystem by promoting access to finance and sustainable growth opportunities. 

KENT LIM

Director

Kent Lim is a Chartered Accountant and serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in finance, investment, and operations. As the co-founder and managing partner of KnightBridge Group, a private equity firm specializing in real estate and hospitality, he has led the acquisitions of major food brands such as Chopped, Scrumdiddly’s, and The Rolling Stoves.

With a previous background at Deloitte and a strong track record in property investment, corporate strategy, and business development, Kent brings a hands-on, results-driven leadership approach. His entrepreneurial success spans multiple industries, from food retail to real estate, contributing to the continued expansion of KnightBridge. Beyond his business ventures, Kent serves on the boards of the Restaurants Association of Ireland and the Irish Franchise Association, advocating for industry innovation and growth. His leadership continues to drive excellence and sustainable expansion in the hospitality sector.


BRIAN KIELT

Director

Brian is the Co-Founder of The Zip Yard Clothing Alterations franchise which now boasts over 50 locations across the Island of Ireland and GB. He first cut his business teeth in the hospitality sector when he owned and ran Thompsons Garage Nightclub in Belfast City centre for 15 years. Brian has also been involved in numerous startups and has a vast experience in taking new business ideas to market and overseeing their successful expansion.

Special Advisors

Special advisors to the Irish Franchise Association

JOHN LANE

Legal Advisor

John trained as a solicitor in Cork City with a leading legal practice and worked there for a year after qualifying. He then moved to Dublin and worked with a boutique commercial law firm for a few years, where he gained significant commercial experience, before returning to Cork and joining the firm of Holohan Lane LLP.


He has wide experience and expertise in all areas of commercial law, property law and intellectual property

TOBIAS LUKASCHEK

Project Advisor

Tobi has 10+ years experience in franchising & business development in the restaurant industry working for the Irish-owned Rocket Restaurants Group of 50+ restaurants across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Germany. Tobi holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in International Business from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. Born in Germany, Tobi spent many years living in Ireland before returning to Germany in 2021.