CouriersPlease CEO Richard Thame has formally resigned from the role, with his departure effective 20 March 2025. The announcement marks the end of a period widely regarded as transformative for the Australian parcel delivery franchise network.
Leadership Transition
Thame’s resignation comes at a significant inflection point for CouriersPlease and its parent company. The FMH Group, which owns CouriersPlease, was recently acquired by Pacific Equity Partners for A$1.02 billion in March 2025, making this one of the largest logistics transactions in recent Australian history. The leadership change coincides with that new ownership structure, though the company has not yet announced a permanent successor.
While stepping away from the CEO position, Thame retains his role as chair of the Franchise Council of Australia, ensuring his continued influence across the broader Australian franchising sector.
Transformative Legacy
During his tenure, Thame oversaw a national network of considerable scale: more than 1,200 franchise and delivery partners, over 400 freight handlers, 15 major depots, and operations spanning nearly 850 active territories across Australia.
His leadership earned significant industry recognition. In May 2024, Thame was awarded Franchise Industry Leader of the Year at the Franchise Council of Australia’s Excellence in Franchising Awards, a distinction that acknowledged his contribution to the franchise model within the logistics sector.
Thame also achieved the top ranking in the Franchise Executives’ Top 30 Franchise Executives report, placing him among the most recognised franchise leaders in the country. Notably, his colleague James Hucker, head of franchising at CouriersPlease, also featured prominently in the same report at number four, reflecting the depth of leadership talent within the organisation.
What Comes Next
The A$1.02 billion Pacific Equity Partners acquisition of the FMH Group signals a clear appetite for investment in Australian last-mile and parcel delivery infrastructure. Private equity ownership typically brings a focus on operational efficiency, technology investment, and accelerated growth, all of which could reshape CouriersPlease’s strategic direction under new leadership.
For the franchise network itself, continuity will be the immediate priority. Franchise partners and customers will be watching closely for signals about operational changes, technology upgrades, and any shifts in service coverage or pricing strategy that new ownership and leadership may bring.
The broader Australian courier market continues to consolidate. With SingPost’s acquisition of Border Express through PEP, and now Pacific Equity Partners’ acquisition of the FMH Group, the competitive landscape is being reshaped by well-capitalised owners with long-term strategic ambitions. Whoever succeeds Thame at the helm of CouriersPlease will inherit both a strong operational foundation and the high expectations that come with a billion-dollar investment thesis.
Thame’s departure closes one chapter, but his legacy of network expansion, franchise excellence, and industry leadership sets a high benchmark for whoever takes the reins next.