Huxtaburger chief Matt Fickling resigns after taking business around Australia

Matt Fickling has resigned as the chief executive of fast-growing burger chain Huxtaburger to take a new role at a “bigger business”.

Joining the company back in 2015 to spearhead its expansion across the country, Fickling has overseen an explosion in Huxtaburger’s popularity.

He made the announcement via social media on Friday evening, telling SmartCompany the business is in “great hands”.

“The board and I over the last three years have successfully transitioned the company-owned model to be a positive franchisor and a truly national business with stores in Victoria, WA and NSW,” he says.

“The time is right with a successful franchise model with a presence in three states for the next person to build on the hard work that has been done,” he adds.

Huxtaburger founders Jeff Wong, Dante Ruaine and Daniel Wilson were unavailable for interview on Monday morning but said in a statement they wish Fickling “all the best”.

The company is yet to confirm possible replacements for Fickling, but head of brand and marketing Abby Islas and chief operating officer Jason Geriesi remain in their roles.

Huxtaburger has gone from strength to strength over his tenure, growing revenue from $1.64 million in 2011-12 to $7.5 million by 2016-17.

The business has a cult following among millennials, taking market share from stalwarts such as McDonald’s and KFC as younger shoppers look for bespoke fast-food options.

Looking forward, Huxtaburger is considering international expansion into Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and China.

Correction: A previous version of this article misstated Huxtaburger’s revenue targets and crew size.

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