Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety has announced a leadership shift, appointing a CEO to the 31-year-old Australian-owned business. The retail chain has more than 50 locations in its network.

Peter Fiasco, Kwik Kopy’s head of franchising, takes on the brand new role on 3 February 2025.

The joint directors at Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety (HPWS), John Gleeson and Mark Fidler, said the appointment allows them to focus on strategic board-level matters while supporting Peter on specific projects.

The pair will continue as owners of their respective franchise businesses.  

Fiasco has decades of franchising experience and has operated small businesses in retail and hospitality. He held senior retail roles with iconic brands before moving into vocational training. Fiasco then joined Quest Apartment Hotels, in roles such as general manager operations and general manager establishment.

His franchising career includes Hairhouse, Australian Skin Clinics, Snap Print & Design, and Kwik Kopy Australia.

Hip Pocket CEO appointment will lead to a new growth phase

In an announcement to the HPWS franchisees, the directors said Fiasco’s extensive experience will prove invaluable to the business as it faces a new phase of growth. 

“We look forward to the fresh perspective and strategic direction he will bring to Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety,” they said.

His overarching focus will be on marketing, supplier support, and activities to drive growth within franchisee businesses.

Fiasco told Franchise Executives, “I am incredibly excited to step into the role of CEO at Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety. This opportunity allows me to bring together my experience and passion to focus on elevating the brand to new heights.

“I look forward to contributing to its growth and solidifying its position as a leading name in workwear and safety through the strength of franchising,” he said.

Fiasco moves on from Kwik Kopy after just over two years with the print and design business.

“While I feel sad leaving this incredible community and business, I’ve been offered a fantastic opportunity to take on a new challenge,” he said in a message to franchisees.

Passion and energy drive franchisee support

“I leave with immense pride, knowing that I’ve contributed to the journey of a business and community that means so much to me. In all my experience in franchising, the Kwik Kopy community stands out as its true superpower,” he said.

Kwik Kopy’s CEO Sonia Shwabsky, praised Fiasco’s passion and energy and described his contribution to the brand as “exceptional”.

“His tireless efforts to strengthen our franchise network, support our franchise owners, and enhance our operations have left a lasting mark on our business. He’s left a positive legacy and exemplified what it means to grow and evolve as a leader. While we will miss him, we are excited to see him take this well-deserved step into a new career chapter,” Shwabsky said.

Kwik Kopy has started the recruitment process to find a new franchise manager.

This story was originally published on Franchise Executives.