Celebrating excellence was the focus of the Franchising Council of Australia (FCA) Awards, and this year 7-Eleven featured heavily, with nine state finalists and three winners who went on to compete in the national final.

At the National Awards held this week, 7-Eleven's three finalists were among an exceptional and competitive field of franchisees and support team members.

7-Eleven CEO and Managing Director Angus McKay said the awards program was a recognition of the extraordinary efforts the nominees make every day.

“I am incredibly proud to lead a business that has some of the best franchisees in Australia as well as some of the best people on the ground supporting them to succeed,” he said.

“The franchising industry is a significant part of Australia’s economy, and recognising outstanding achievement has never been more important.

“2020 has been incredibly challenging for franchisees and franchisors, and our franchise model means we will stick with our partners through the highs and the lows.”

McKay said franchisees, store managers and operations teams had worked tirelessly alongside each other this year, to stay safe while providing their communities with essentials in local neighbourhoods.

“At the same time, they’ve been taking every opportunity to rebound, build their businesses back up, and help the economy get back on its feet," he said.

“I am incredibly proud of what they have achieved, so to be able to celebrate some of our most outstanding people as finalists and winners in the FCA awards is a real privilege.

“This recognition from the wider 7-Eleven team, and from our industry more broadly, is testament to our nominees’ ongoing efforts to live our values and deliver the extraordinary in all they do every day.

“Congratulations and well done to all of our nominees.”

7-Eleven finalists and state winners

Franchisee community responsibility and contribution

• Wijitha Perera, franchisee 7-Eleven Swanston Street (Victorian winner, national finalist)

Field Manager of the year 

• Daniel Halaska, Regional Manager and Acting State Operations Manager (New South Wales winner, national finalist)
• Tim Loi, Retail Business Manager – Victoria (Victorian finalist)

Franchise Woman of the year 

• Kirsten Stone, Retail Operations Coach (Victorian winner, national finalist)
• Shayne Boogaard, Senior Franchise Development Manager – (New South Wales finalist)

Single unit franchisee of the year

• Janet Mao, franchisee 7-Eleven South Oakleigh (Victorian finalist)
• Barry King, franchisee 7-Eleven Lithgow (New South Wales finalist)
• Mandeep Singh, franchisee 7-Eleven Balga (Western Australia finalist)

Multi-unit franchisee of the year

• Nouman Khan, franchisee 7-Eleven Bankstown and Minto - New South Wales (New South Wales finalist)
• Vignesh Viswesaran (Victorian nominee)