Ask the Franchise Experts

Eric has garnered a wealth of franchising experience as a former Marketing Director of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and co-founder of Nando’s. His involvement in the franchising sector included extensive involvement with FASA as a past Chairman of the organisation. He was appointed as the Director of the Deloitte & Touche Franchising Division in 1998. Eric has also authored books on entrepreneurship. As a partner in Franchising Plus, Eric is mainly responsible for the crafting of strategic plans for franchise organisations and facilitation of strategic planning. He is a sought-after public speaker and has appeared as guest speaker at many franchising events.

Sasha-Lee has a Bachelor of Commerce Honours Degree in Marketing and Entrepreneurship.  She has also completed an Undergraduate Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Entrepreneurship and Business Management in addition to a NQF Level 5 Project Management qualification. She completed a course on managing Franchisee Performance as a Field Service Consultant and modelling for analysts and accountants. As a partner at Franchising Plus, Sasha-Lee has worked on various commercial and social projects across several different industries, Mentorship and Consulting to SME’S, Insurance, Business to Business and Education. She has been involved in project management and mentoring for small businesses as part of the Supplier Development Mentorship Programme/Initiative.

Roz Sandham is the director and training facilitator of The Franchising Training Co. She held the positions of HR Director, Field Service Manager, Operations Manager and ultimately Operations and Training Director for McDonald’s South Africa.

Maria joined Thomson Wilks Inc in June 2023. She completed her BA (LLB) at Wits in 1987 and qualified as a Solicitor (United Kingdom) in 2000. Shortly after completing her 2 years articles, she went into practice for her own account in December 1990, then six months later went into a partnership which was dissolved in August 1995, when she assumed control of the company which was renamed D’Amico Incorporated. Maria specialises in Commercial Law (agreements), Franchising Law and High Court Litigation. She is the chairperson of FASA. Maria has been identified as one of the top lawyers in Franchising Law which Best Lawyers recognise.

Karen Keylock is a National Franchise Manager at Nedbank Commercial Banking with over 30 years of experience in retail and commercial banking.  She is an experienced banker, skilled in strategy, client value proposition, development and commercialisation, marketing relationship management and risk management. Karen Keylock Graduated from Wits Business School. Karen particularly enjoys interacting with clients and staff, the learnings she gains every day and being able to share her knowledge. With a passion to see everyone succeed, Karen feels that her considerable banking experience, knowledge of the franchise industry and her extensive networks add value to her role.