Hog’s Breath Ex-CEO Returns to RFG in New Role
•February 16, 2026
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Why It Matters
Elliott’s return strengthens RFG’s strategic focus on franchisee success, potentially boosting brand performance across its portfolio. His deep operational experience may accelerate growth and improve franchise partner satisfaction.
Key Takeaways
- •Elliott returns as group strategy and performance manager
- •Role focuses on franchisee support and group performance
- •14-year RFG tenure spans marketing, operations, general management
- •Previously led Hog’s Breath for less than eight months
- •Signals RFG’s commitment to franchise partner outcomes
Pulse Analysis
The Australian quick‑service and casual dining sector has been marked by rapid brand consolidation and a heightened emphasis on franchisee profitability. Retail Food Group, headquartered on the Gold Coast, operates a portfolio that includes well‑known names such as Gloria Jean’s, Donut King and Cibo Espresso. Amidst competitive pressure, RFG has been sharpening its strategic toolkit, focusing on data‑driven performance metrics and unified brand support. The appointment of a seasoned executive to steer group strategy signals the company’s intent to reinforce operational discipline and deliver consistent growth across its network.
Tom Elliott brings a rare blend of marketing acumen and operational oversight, having spent 14 years climbing the ranks at RFG before his brief tenure as CEO of Hog’s Breath. Although his stint at the casual‑dining chain lasted less than eight months, it provided him with frontline exposure to the challenges of scaling a franchise concept under volatile market conditions. Returning to RFG as group strategy and performance manager, Elliott is positioned to translate those lessons into actionable initiatives, from menu optimisation to store‑level efficiency programs, that directly impact franchisee margins.
The strategic shift underscores RFG’s commitment to aligning corporate objectives with franchise partner outcomes, a narrative increasingly demanded by investors and franchisees alike. By centralising performance oversight, the group can more rapidly identify underperforming locations, deploy targeted support, and benchmark best practices across its diverse brands. For franchisees, Elliott’s appointment promises clearer communication channels and a more proactive approach to growth challenges. In the broader market, this move may prompt competitors to reassess their own governance structures, potentially sparking a wave of leadership realignments aimed at bolstering franchisee profitability.
Hog’s Breath ex-CEO returns to RFG in new role
Tom Elliott, who left Retail Food Group to head up the casual dining chain Hog’s Breath and exited after less than eight months, has taken up a new role at his former workplace.
Elliott takes up the group strategy and performance manager position at the Gold Coast-headquartered multi-brand franchisor.
The brand new role will give him an opportunity to support franchisees, Elliott told Franchise Executives.
“I have worked with Peter George before and I have a great deal of respect for the way he leads the business, very focused on franchise partner outcomes.
“This is something I believe in and I’m pleased to have the opportunity to help drive performance and strategy across the group,” Elliott said.
Elliott has a 14-year history with RFG. He moved from marketing and brand management roles to general manager and head of store operations.
- This story was originally published on Franchise Executives.
The post Hog’s Breath ex-CEO returns to RFG in new role appeared first on Inside Retail Australia.
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