Following its best ever year, leading greeting card publisher and franchisor, Card Connection, has strengthened its management team with the appointment of new sales & franchise director, David Whelan. With the goal of further increasing the profitability of Card Connection’s network of franchisees across the UK and Ireland, one of Whelan’s main responsibilities will be to develop and extend the company’s relationship with its national retail account network.

“David’s extensive experience in the franchise and distribution industry means he is well placed to help our franchisees take their businesses to the next level,” confirms Robina Every, managing director of Card Connection. “As a company, we are continually focused to help our franchisees build their businesses and David’s input and support will be invaluable to achieve our goals for 2008.”

David Whelan has a 20-year track record in managing and growing both franchised and non-franchised businesses. Key senior roles have included franchise and development manager for Business Post PLC, franchise development director for On Time Logistics and most recently managing director of the washroom hygiene company Swisher Hygiene UK Ltd.

“It is an exciting time to join Card Connection,” confirms David Whelan, sales & franchise director of Card Connection. “The greeting card industry is growing, Card Connection has a quality product backed up by an unparalleled merchandising service provided by its franchisees. I am very much looking forward to helping the company exploit its leading edge in the market place, both on a national and local level for the benefit of its franchisee network across the UK.”