Retail Food Group Names CFO Ryan Chellingworth and Legal Expert Zoe Green as Joint Company Secretaries

Ryan Chellingworth and Zoe Green Assume Joint Company Secretary Positions at RFG

On 1 July 2026, Retail Food Group confirmed the immediate appointment of Ryan Chellingworth and Zoe Green as Joint Company Secretaries. This disclosure complies with ASX Listing Rule 3.16.1, which mandates prompt notification of any changes to key company secretarial personnel for listed entities.

The choice to appoint two individuals jointly, rather than a sole successor, indicates an intent to distribute compliance and governance responsibilities across complementary expertise. Chellingworth contributes financial and executive leadership as the current CFO, while Green brings over a decade of institutional legal and compliance experience from within RFG’s in-house legal team. Together, they will act as the primary contacts for communications between RFG and the ASX regarding Listing Rule matters, as stipulated by ASX Listing Rule 12.6.

CFO Ryan Chellingworth Expands Role to Include Governance Duties

Ryan Chellingworth’s new position as Joint Company Secretary formally extends his responsibilities beyond his CFO role. It is common among ASX-listed companies for the CFO to concurrently serve as company secretary to strengthen the integration of financial reporting, regulatory disclosure, and board governance. The announcement did not specify when Chellingworth began as CFO or provide further background details.

From a governance perspective, the concentration of disclosure, compliance, and financial stewardship in one individual is notable. While this dual role is typical in mid-sized ASX companies, investors should observe whether RFG maintains its stated high standards for disclosure and governance under this structure.

Zoe Green’s Extensive In-House Legal Experience Supports Her Secretarial Role

Zoe Green’s appointment is distinguished by her deep institutional knowledge, having served over 10 years in RFG’s legal team. This tenure provides her with intimate understanding of the company’s corporate framework, franchise contracts, brand portfolio, and compliance obligations. Such continuity is expected to aid in preserving governance consistency during the transition from Mark Connors.

Her expertise in legal and compliance matters is particularly pertinent given RFG’s complex business, which includes multiple franchise brands across Australia and internationally, as well as a licensed restaurant expansion program. The company did not disclose further details on Green’s qualifications or previous roles outside RFG, but her long service indicates strong familiarity with existing regulatory and governance systems.

Mark Connors Concludes 22-Year Tenure as Company Secretary

The announcement marks the conclusion of Mark Connors’ 22-year service as Company Secretary, effective 1 July 2026, coinciding with the new appointments. The board expressed appreciation for Connors’ invaluable contributions over more than two decades.

A 22-year tenure is exceptional within the ASX-listed environment and reflects the institutional stability Connors provided during a turbulent period in RFG’s history. The company did not specify reasons for his departure or whether he is transitioning to another role. The board’s formal recognition highlights the significance of his governance role during his tenure.

Compliance with ASX Listing Rules Ensured Under New Secretarial Arrangement

The update confirms adherence to ASX Listing Rules 3.16.1 and 12.6. Rule 3.16.1 requires immediate notification to ASX of any company secretary changes, which RFG fulfilled with this 1 July 2026 disclosure. Rule 12.6 mandates identification of primary contacts managing communications with ASX on Listing Rule matters.

RFG has designated both Chellingworth and Green as joint primary contacts. This clarity is critical for investors since the company secretary and designated contacts oversee continuous disclosure obligations under ASX Listing Rules. A well-defined and capable secretarial function is fundamental to strong corporate governance, especially for a company operating multiple brands, jurisdictions, and franchise models.

Governance Complexity Reflects RFG’s Multi-Brand Franchise Portfolio

Retail Food Group is a distinctive ASX-listed entity. As Australia’s largest multi-brand retail food franchise manager, it owns and operates iconic brands such as Gloria Jean’s, Donut King, Brumby’s Bakery, Crust Gourmet Pizza, and Beefy’s Pies. Additionally, it holds the exclusive licence for Firehouse Subs restaurants in Australia, launching its first outlet in FY26, alongside operating a Sunshine Coast bakery and a Sydney coffee roastery.

This diverse portfolio imposes significant responsibilities on the company secretary role, including franchising regulation, brand licensing compliance, food safety standards, multi-jurisdictional legal requirements, and ongoing ASX continuous disclosure. The joint appointment, combining CFO financial oversight with in-house legal expertise, appears designed to address these multifaceted governance demands. Investors and franchise stakeholders will monitor whether the new secretarial team sustains the operational and regulatory rigor across RFG’s varied activities.

Firehouse Subs Australia Launch and RFG’s Growth Contextualize Governance Changes

The announcement coincides with a dynamic phase in RFG’s business development. The group opened its first Firehouse Subs restaurant in Australia during FY26 under an exclusive licence, marking a key milestone in introducing the American quick-service brand locally. This international brand licensing and market entry further complicate compliance and governance requirements.

In this context, maintaining a robust and experienced company secretarial function is strategically vital. The new Joint Company Secretaries will oversee disclosure obligations related to the Firehouse Subs rollout alongside established franchise operations. The company did not provide guidance or financial targets concerning Firehouse Subs expansion in this update. Investors seeking additional insight into growth strategy should watch for future operational and financial disclosures.

Board Approval and Shareholder Communication Under New Secretarial Setup

The update was authorised for release by the Executive Chairman, aligning with standard governance protocols for such administrative announcements. RFG has updated shareholder and media contact details, directing inquiries to [email protected] or by phone at 07 2104 7537.

Shareholders seeking information on the secretarial change’s impact on governance or the operation of the joint structure are encouraged to use these contacts. The company’s headquarters are located at Level 4, 35 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina, Queensland. The announcement’s immediate effect on share price was unclear, as secretarial appointments typically do not constitute material earnings events.

Implications of Joint Secretarial Appointment for RFG’s Disclosure Obligations

Practically, appointing Chellingworth and Green as joint primary ASX contacts ensures continuity in timely dissemination of price-sensitive information, periodic financial reports, and compliance notifications. Both share responsibility for ensuring RFG meets continuous disclosure requirements under ASX Listing Rules and the Corporations Act 2001.

Investors and analysts following RFG should note that future company updates, results announcements, or material developments will now proceed through this joint secretarial framework. Although administrative, this change represents a significant governance transition for a company of RFG’s scale and brand presence. The next key investor focus will be RFG’s upcoming financial results and any strategic updates regarding franchise brand expansion and the Firehouse Subs rollout.