Chief executive of Australian print franchise Snap Stephen Edwards has resigned, exiting the group after fifteen years of service, and five years in the top job.
Edwards started his tenure with Snap in 2001, before assuming the role of chief executive in 2011 where he was instrumental in rebranding the business and expanding Snap into new markets.
In an email correspondence sent out to colleagues, Edwards says his departure is a ‘very difficult decision’ and commended Snap on its ‘bright future’.
“I wanted to let you all know that I have resigned from Snap and have been working with the Board on my exit. It is a very difficult decision as I have loved my time at Snap and have devoted so much of my time to the network,” says Edwards.
“The company is doing well and has a bright future. There are some great people in the company and I wish them all well.”
The Snap board announced Edwards' departure, citing significant senior changes at the senior management level in the correspondence.
“Stephen Edwards has decided to resign from Snap and his last day will be Monday 4 July 2016. As you all well know, Stephen has been with Snap since 1 March 2001, having originally started with us as chief operating officer,” says the Board.
“He was appointed the CEO in November 2011 and has led the business during that time through some dramatic and impressive changes including: transfer of the Support Office from Perth to Sydney, establishment of the group’s transformation strategy, brand renewal, project DNA, the biggest IT investment in the company’s history and establishing a multimillion dollar corporate accounts program for the Group.”
“We all know and respect Stephen as a tireless and enthusiastic advocate for Snap Printing amongst all our stakeholders. Stephen has decided it is time to devote himself to other interests he has and, needless to say, we wish him well in these endeavours and no doubt he will pursue those with all the energy that we are familiar with.”
Tony Geange, general manager finance and company secretary at Snap will be acting as chief executive in the interim.
Edwards dealt with a number of controversies during his time at the helm, including the failure of Bankstown Snap which owed some $340,000 in debt after collapsing in December 2014, and a major a partnership dispute resulting in the franchise’s biggest chain CBD Printing plummet into administration.
Edwards also held a prominent industry role as a Board member of the PIAA until his departure in February this year during a mass exodus of association staff.
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