Organization Chart

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Federico Fiorentini

 First President, Chairman for Italy

With an outstanding business experience of over 20 years Mr. Federico Fiorentini is the Founder and General Manager of BRD Consulting. As a very successful entrepreneur, manager and business consultant he developed an extensive business communication network including hundreds of business contacts all over the world and is a very important reference point for national and international companies. As Export Manager he started his professional career in the food industry and developed the international brand “IL FORNAIO” in the USA supporting the launch of hundreds of Shops, Retail Centres, Supermarkets and Hypermarkets. In addition to the development of national supermarkets Federico assisted numerous important brands in order to achieve their successful business expansion especially in Russia, Serbia, Spain, Germany, France and Italy. Furthermore, he worked as Development Manager for the following German multinational enterprises: Tengelman Group, Plus Discount and Obi. Moreover, he was Project Leader in the development of retail chains in Italy and abroad for the following brands: H3G, Wind Telecommunications, Buffetti, Prenatal, Oviesse, Pastarito-Cir food, Artistic of Antica Gelateria del Corso, Nestlé, Gabrielli, GS group Carrefour, Todis, Conad and other major brands. In addition, he negotiated licenses for new offices in several countries including German, Spain, Russia, Singapore, Jordan, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Belarus and Italy. He also conducted Management Training courses, University Masters, Post-Graduation courses and Marketing trainings at ASCOM ConfCommercio in Italy. Federico is currently Director and Professor at the University for International Retail Management and the European University in Rome.

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Klaus Bode

Vice President, Board of Director for Germany

As a consultant and entrepreneur in international business since 24 years he already worked for 12 years in the franchise business. He developed several brands as investor and Master franchisee in Germany and Austria (Pronuptia, Jacadi) and still owns retail franchises licences in several German cities. His company also runs one of the leading franchise portals in Germany, Austria and Swiss (FranchiseExpo.eu). Since 3 years he is also franchisor of a cosmetic franchise which is already present in many countries worldwide (Skinial.com). He developed for many foreign brands the retail presence in high street and shopping centres in Germany with a full service and turn key offer (Comptoir des Cotonniers, IKKS, LeTanneur, Marlies Deckers, Groupe ETAM, Z&V, American Vintage, Mezzo di Pasta, Groupe Bongrain, and many others).

He is multilingual (German, English, French) and his office in Frankfurt City is able to communicate in Spanish, Italian and Portuguese too. Klaus is a real cosmopolite and ambassador for foreign brands of all branches intending to develop in the German speaking countries.

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  Ekaterina Soyak

Secretary, Board of Director for Russia

CEO EMTG-recognized company, among other things, for the Buy Brand, is the biggest in CIS countries and is among TOP 5 world franchise fairs  - but also Board member of Russian Franchise Association 

 

  

 

 

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 Manuel Vescovi

Board of Director for Spain

Manuel Vescovi was born in Padua in 1970. He graduated in law in Bologna. After working as an agent of the State Police, he founded the franchising network "2M studio" with over 100 affiliated points. Heembarked on a marketing and business growth in franchising in Italy and abroad, conduct trainingand personal motivation.
President of the best award franchisee of the World and a member of the board of directors Ansaldo Nuclear Group Finmeccanica.

  

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 Simon Chicken

Board of Director for UK

Simon Chicken is the Director of the Franchise Shows in London.
These hugely popular exhibitions take place at Earls Court, London in September, and at ExCeL in February.
The exhibitions are run by Prysm MFV, an Anglo- American company that also organises franchise exhibitions in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami and Mexico City.

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Paul Cesar Mauro

Board of Director for Brasil

Paulo C. Mauro, is one of the pioneers of the franchising in South América. Started in 1987 through his franchise consulting company and has developed more than 300 sucessful franchise systems  in Brazil and his company he participate in several missions, franchise shows and did seminars in Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, Mexico, USA, Portugal, Spain, Dubai, France, China, Russia, India, Uruguay and Panama. Paulo C. Mauro has published the books, “The Franchisor’s Guide” in Brazil (5th edition in 2012), “The Franchisee´s Guide” also in Brazil (2st edition in 2012) and “Be your Own Boss Through  Franchising” in Argentina (1996).  Engineer graduated by the University of São Paulo, and MBA by the school of administration Fundação Getúlio Vargas, Paulo had worked as a director of the Brazilian Franchise Association-ABF for 4 years and has be responsible to launch the ABF Convention in its 2001. As the International Director of the Brazilian Franchise Association-ABF, signed in 2004 the agreement with the Government Export Agency – APEX to bring Brazilian Franchises to other countries. He was also the president of the Brazilian Franchise Council of the Franchise Chamber of the Brazilian Government and helped to prepare the new franchise law project now in Congress to be voted.
Paulo was honored with the title “Entrepreneurs of the Year” in 2004, introduced in Brazil by Endeavor, with more 9 entrepreneurs in the whole country. 

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   Egidio Bagnato

Board of Director for Italy

Currently, Vice President of FIF - Italian Franchising Federation- and Country Franchising Manager of the Franchise Group CDC Point Spa - company listed at Italian stock exchange- with the brands "Computer Discount" and "Essedi Shop". Experienced in business plans and development plans, he was development manager at Global Impact bv Holland imports and exports in the computer industry, country manager development at Micromax SpA Milano SpA and country manager of development at the IPS Data Library for the brand Infoteca.Now in Brd Consulting as a consultant in commercial networks development - direct chain and franchising chain -  he supported several companies both in the evaluation process and in the Italian stock market listing process, moreover helping them on the application procedures of INVITALIA, , the Italian Agency for inward investment promotion and enterprise development, up to achieving about 350 new openings.

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Andrea Maria Meschia

Italian Board Member

Bachelor, with extensive experience in planning, development and management of retail business: franchising, wholesale distribution, and temporary store management. For more than 10 years fashion retailer both as independent and as franchisee (Valnova, Bric’s, Mandarina Duck). 9 years experience as sales and temporary manager in the textile and fashion industry (Alviero Martini, Camuzzi International, D’etoffe, MCMC). Since 2006 entrepreneur in the retail branch: partner in Sidecar (start-up and developing of Sidecar Eventi concept store and Sidecar Network), distribution and franchising expansion in fashion and design Branch (Sixty; s.Oliver; Nau Ottica; Laline). Co-founder of Assotemporary, member of Assofranchising Italia.

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Paul Segreto

Board of Director for USA

Paul Segreto, President & CEO at Franchise Foundry brings unique perspective, entrepreneurial spirit and extensive industry experience to franchise management and development. For over twenty five years he has exclusively served the franchise industry as consultant and coach, senior-level corporate executive, advocate, multi-unit franchisee and area developer. Dedicated to franchise success at all levels, Paul has consulted with founders and franchise executives of start-up and emerging franchise concepts, franchisees experiencing difficult challenges in their daily operations, and with independent small business owners discovering franchising as a business expansion strategy or income diversification plan. Understanding the franchise sales process from lead generation through franchise award, and the importance of forming an interdependent relationship between franchisee and franchisor, Paul has successfully developed and executed marketing and development strategies for franchisors across a variety of franchise segments. A proud member of multiple franchise associations including the International Franchise Association, where he serves on its Technology and Membership Committees, International Association of Franchisees and Dealers, and Franchise Brokers Association, Paul is a recognized franchise and social media expert and frequently serves as a guest speaker / topic leader for webinars, focus groups, strategy and sales planning meetings, training sessions and industry panels. He is frequently called upon to utilize his expertise in the development of articles for industry blogs and publications, and training programs for companies and organizations within the industry.

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Nick Boury

Board of Director for Belgium

A former executive in export management and food distribution, Mr. Boury has extensive retail experience on three continents where, among other projects, he acted as Master franchisor for Muffin Break Australia and successfully developed over 30 franchise and corporate locations. Mr. Boury began his career in franchise consultancy as a Regional Director MEA (Middle East and Africa) for US based Franchise.com, a leading franchise sales and lead generation company. Nick has extensive regional and International experience in targeted franchise marketing and a proven track record in franchise recruitment & sales. Nick is a frequent expert speaker on franchise consultancy, sales and marketing both locally and internationally. Mr. Boury has significant experience in franchise development and assisting existing companies convert to a franchise model of expansion. Mr. Boury is currently the Managing Director for Francorp Belgium and responsible for providing franchise services to the rest of Europe. Nick Boury holds a Degree in Sales and Marketing and speaks 5 languages (French, English, German, Spanish & Arabic) apart from his native language, Flemish.

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Alan Branch

Board of Director for Australia

Alan is the President of Global Development at Optivance 360, Sydney Australia.  He is an experienced Australian business advisor, commercial lawyer and franchise expert recognised for his skill in negotiating and completing business set up and expansion projects.  Alan draws his experience from a diverse career including appointments to the Board of Directors of the Franchising Council of Australia (FCA) 2003 – 2009, founding member of the Ethics Committee for the FCA, advisory board member for the Barbara Hardy Institute for Sustainability and numerous Foundations and professional associations and owner of the several successful franchise brands.
Alan has been recognised as a leader in the field of licensing, intellectual property and franchising with awards by the FCA for special contributions given in 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012 including team leader for the prestigious award of the Best Franchising Supplier of the Year in both 2009 and 2010.  As a recognised expert in international business expansion, Alan has been invited to speak around the world at conferences in USA, Brazil, Europe, Australia and India.

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Gareth Parry

Board of Director for Canada

Gareth is the Co-Founder and President of CanFranGlobal Consultants, a Toronto-based franchise consultancy and advisory firm and is also the President of Global Franchise Marketing, an international franchise consultancy and brokerage, serving clients across North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia. He has a wide personal portfolio of franchise, licensing, distribution, advisory and management experience, developed by working with some of the leading global franchise systems and investors.

He was previously the Managing Director of Dubai-based FranExcel, an international franchise marketing and consultancy firm, where he helped international franchise companies and investors achieve success through franchising, as well as consulting with companies to help build their own franchise systems and developed special purpose investment vehicles for investors to acquire private equity stakes in franchise companies.

Gareth has both domestic and international experience in franchise and business consultancy, media, event management, global sponsorship, brand management, marketing and business development. He enjoys commercial, organizational and interpersonal skills developed in multi-national corporations including TotalFinaElf, Whitbread plc, The Restaurant Group plc, the Institute for International Research (I.I.R.), Informa Group plc, Unilever plc and the Compass Group plc.

Gareth has a BA in Hospitality Management, a C.I.M. Diploma in Marketing, and Master’s Certificate in Project Management, earned in the United Kingdom and the USA and holds memberships in a number of professional bodies.

He has helped more than 120 international franchisors to develop and expand their brands and has secured master franchisees and investors in 14 countries.

An accomplished conference speaker and trainer, Gareth has delivered presentations and programs to audiences and companies on four continents and provided consultancy and advisory services to a broad range of companies, across a wide spectrum of franchise sectors. He has also had articles published in a range of international franchise and business journals.

Gareth is very well known in the international franchise industry and considered an expert on Canadian and Middle East franchise markets.

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Igor Bogojevic                                                             

Chairman for the Adriatic region

Igor Bogojevic was born in 1972. Igor is managing partner in PROFIT franchise services Ltd, company member of PROFIt system group, consulting company specialized in franchise consultancy in Central and Eastern European countries. 
PROFIT system also publishes specialized franchise magazines and operates professional franchise media-portals in most of the CEE conutries (Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Ukraine, Russia, Romania and Adriatic region - Serbia and Croatia). PROFIT system is organizer of the biggest CEE franchise expo - Polish Franchise Expo in Warsaw, and operates Academy of franchise - training sessions for potential candidates for franchisors and franchisees. 
Igor is in charge for the group's development and operations in all countries of the Adriatic region. 
He is consultant with experience in franchising, but also PR expert and has experience in NGO, Media and Private equity business. 

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 Ilja Malkin

General Manager of ADVANCED ADVICE

Ilja Malkin is founder and general manager of ADVANCED ADVICE – a consulting company in Lithuania that offers research, strategy, franchising and EU funding services to its clients. ADVANCED ADVICE is the first company in the Baltics to have started providing professional franchise consulting services to local businesses and has been helping international franchises expand into the Baltic and Belorussian market.

Mr. Malkin is the founder of Lithuanian Franchise Centre – first public institution to provide franchise consulting services. He is also the co-author of one of the first books in Lithuanian about franchising - “Buying a Franchise: Highway to Business Success” and will be writing another book in the near future aimed at franchisors.

Ilja Malkin is also the founder of first internet franchise directory for the Baltic region – FRANCHISE HUB and is the organizer of annual international franchise conference and fair for the Baltics – BRAND4BALTIC. He regularly gives speeches about franchising at conferences, provides lectures to leading Baltic universities about franchising and has spoken about franchising in numerous radio shows.

Under the leadership of Ilja Malkin, ADVANCED ADVICE is expanding its franchising services internationally and has integrated Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Belarus as a promising market with many opportunities to franchisors and franchisees. Systematic and professional approach to each client has allowed ADVANCED ADVICE to constantly grow in its franchising services.

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  Tony Fitzpatrick

Managing partner, Franchise Your Business

Tony Fitzpatrick is the managing partner with Franchise Your Business.ie, who provide a complete franchise development service for both start up and established franchisors. The firm has offices in Dublin and London. Tony knows both the theory and the practice of franchising. Besides creating and developing franchises for many clients he has managed his own master franchise and uses his vast experience to show others how to succeed in this booming industry. He can take a client through the entire process. He advises on everything from franchise agreements to setting fees and royalties, operations manuals, lead generation, and sales and marketing.

A recognized authority on franchising, he is a member of the Board of the Irish Franchise Association and is the author of a book “How to Franchise a Business.” Tony has a passion for SME entrepreneurs and is a firm believer in the franchise model for business growth. In the last year he has shared his expertise in emerging franchise markets in the Middle East, Asia and Europe and was appointed to the Advisory Board of the Romanian Franchise Association.

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Shery Christopher

Franchise Consultation, Coaching, Training and Monitoring

Shery Christopher has over 30 years' experience in the business franchise industry as a sales representative for franchisees and franchisors; a franchisee and franchisor for two brands and an independent business franchise consultant for over 25 years. 
Her international, multifaceted consulting practice offers clients a different approach by combining creativity and insight with extensive experience and expertise in the industry. 
Shery combines coaching with her consulting practice to work with each client to bring out the best in them and their business through creative vision, strategic planning, 
focused direction and guidance and continued support through long term relationships. From initial analysis of a new or existing business, structure, programs and documentation implementation, attorney liaise, 
sales and marketing to expansion, development and growth on a national and international basis, Shery will work closely with you every step of the way. 
Shery recently completed her courses through the International Franchise Association (IFA) and will receive her Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) certificate at the IFA Convention in New Orleans in February 2014.

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Raffaele Centaro

CEO and Founder of “Centaro & Associates”

Raffaele Centaro CEO and Founder of “Centaro & Associates”, consulting firm specialized in project, management and development of franchise networks. 
After experiences as Officer of the Management Body of the Italian Army and as corporate management counselor, in the last 20 years he has taken part and contributed to the planning and development of several franchising projects, especially in the fashion sector, in which he has achieved a remarkable specialization and know-how.
He has also been Sales and Marketing Director for the regional economic newspaper “Il Denaro”.
Currently he is particularly engaged in internationalization projects, both with actions to increase the consciousness of the franchising as an instrument of internationalization of the companies and of the MADE IN ITALY, and in a more concrete way in the development, reasearch and selection of international partners.
Concerning the activity of abroad development of Italian brands, a remarkable success was obtained in the Middle-Eastern area. In the last years, in fact, many franchising and master agreements were concluded, with the opening of many shops in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates ( Dubai, Abu Dhabi), Kuwait, Bahrein and Qatar. It has also been developed and realized a project for an outlet of great brands in the city of Rihad (Saudi Arabia). The format is about to become a proper franchising. 

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Ravikumar C

Chief Franchise Advisor

Ravikumar C who leads the retail and franchising team holds over 22 years of experience in retail franchising, marketing, project management and sales promotions across multiple retail sectors. Ravi brings energy and passion to The Franchise Retail Advisory and has helped shape retail projects for big brands in the region such as HMV, ADNOC, Saj Express, Al Waseet and Bella Donna. Project managed acquisition of Nestle Toll House Café Master Franchise, Expansion for Attibassi cafe and with an MBA Marketing and Project Management skills and a wealth of invaluable consultancy experience across the Middle East and India, Ravi leads the region’s retail and franchising industry to new altitudes.

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   Giampiero Parietti

Monegasque Fashion Chamber, Franchising Consultant and Developer

Gianpiero Parietti is a valuable member of the Monegasque Fashion Chamber, he has been single-handedly responsible for numerous boutique openings all over the world. At the moment, he is the Head of Franchising of GP Store, the motorsport retail brand developed by GP Group. Prior to his experience at GP Group, Gianpiero has been the Franchise Developer for brands such as Benetton and Naracamicie.
He has significant experience in all continents with a focus in Central and South America.

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 Adil Yildirim 

Leading Turkey Consulting Franchising Development

Adil Yildirim is born in Istanbul in 06.01.1979,
He graduated from Marmara University – International Business field , then made MBA degree in Poleticnico di Milano in Italy, 
Lived in Italy for 5 years , worked in FAO-ROME as market specialist of south american countries, specialized in food security field.
He also worked as merchandising expert in L’oreal Company offices based in Turin-Italy.
He is actually general manager and board member of the global franchising operations company Bovizza Franchising.
He manages the franchising operations of global brands in Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Cyprus markets, Bovizza Franchising has also local offices in Porto and New York.
He speaks fluently english, french, italian and as mother tongue Turkish. Bovizza Franchising offices in Istanbul city center is able to communicate in English, Italian, French and Russian. Adil and his team is intending to develop global brands in Turkey and other Turkish origin countries , with the high quality standards offered and based on : right location , right brand and right sales team.
Adil defines his fondamental business criteria as : Good Business is based on long-term and transparent relationships.

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Masahiro Tamiya

Japan, honoray member

-C.E.O., Aquanet Co., Ltd. - Franchise Management Institute
-Chairman, Nippon Franchise Consultant Association(NFCA)
-Lecturer, Japan Franchise Association’s Supervisor School, Franchise Management School & Franchise HQ Development Seminar.
-Management Support Advisor, Organization for Small & Medium -Enterprises and Regional Innovation of JAPAN, an Independent Administrative Agency
-Chairman, NPO-Entrepreneur Support Club
Mr.Tamiya is one of the most seasoned Franchise Consultants in Japan, Author of many books, Expert Speaker and Contributing Writer of numerous articles on the subjects.
Following his career with a major food retail/service franchisor and a consulting firm, he founded Aquanet in 1995, and has pioneered in sustainable, successful business development through a strategic franchise system, assisted many franchisors across sectors for 360-degree operational improvements, and trained numerous franchise administrators.
He has also supported entrepreneurial endeavors and facilitated corporate M&As, while helping Master Franchise launches of both Japanese and international franchise concepts.

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Venus Barak

Franchise India Vice President

In her second innings with Franchise India, Venus, leads the International Business with FranGlobal. Her earlier role was spearheading Francorp India. Venus brings over 18 years of experience combining International Development, Corporate Consulting, Sales and Entrepreneurship across 45 countries in various sectors. She has spent last decade working with over 4000 SMEs and Fortune 500 companies such as FedEx, Ronald Mc Donald’s House of Charities, Virgin Atlantic, Alcon, 3M, Tata Group, Reliance, Aditya Birla Group, Mahindra & Mahindra, ITC etc. where she has been instrumental in addressing donor relations, fundraising, growth and development issues.
With deep understanding and experience of growth models like: Franchising, Channel Development, Distribution, Licensing, Strategic Alliances, Government policy, Funding, Fund Raising, Brand Development, Sales and Marketing, Venus commands authority when it comes to business growth.
She is also skilled in implementing sustainable and scalable processes, B2B business development, operational excellence, client relations, and mentoring cross-cultural & functional teams with an aim to drive incremental growth towards organizational value and performance. She regularly speaks and moderates business conferences, lectures at Management Colleges and writes for publications. Her passion lies in ‘solving problems and unlocking potential’ both in an enterprise as well as individual entrepreneurial setup.

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Bachir Mihoubi                       

Managing Director of FranCounsel Group (FCG)

Bachir Mihoubi is founder and Managing Director of FranCounsel Group (FCG), an international business development consultancy. Before forming FCG, Mr. Mihoubi worked as an international transactions attorney with several major U.S. law firms, representing both foreign clients doing business in the U.S. and American companies with international business interests. He was International Corporate Counsel for AFC Enterprises (which operated more than 4,000 cafes, restaurants, and bakeries in the U.S. and internationally). He also served as Director of International Development for Cinnabon, Director of International Development for Seattle’s Best Coffee, and Vice President of Global Licensing for Caribou Coffee Company. Bachir serves as an advisor/investor to several Boards of Directors of major U.S. and Canadian brands. Bachir developed several well known brands in more than 30 countries.
Bachir was awarded the Cambridge English Proficiency Diploma by the University of Cambridge, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Montreal, a J.D. from the University of Ottawa School of Law (Degree completed in French), and a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law at Austin.
Languages
• English, French, Arabic (modern standard and colloquial dialects), and Spanish; working knowledge of Italian and Portuguese

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