Growing a Franchise
New President of IFA Named
The franchising organization picks a veteran executive to lead its team.
The International Franchise Association Board of Directors this week named Robert Cresanti president and CEO of the largest organization that represents franchisors, franchisees and suppliers.
“We could not be more pleased that Robert Cresanti has accepted this position,” said IFA Chair Melanie Bergeron, chairwoman of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK*, International, in a statement. “As IFA executive vice president of government relations and public policy and interim COO, Robert has proven experience in representing the industry during very challenging times and brings seasoned judgement and leadership to this important position. We are confident that the IFA will continue to thrive under his guidance.”
Cresanti joined IFA in 2014 from SAP America, Inc., where he served as vice president of corporate affairs and government relations since 2009. In his public service, he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2006 as under secretary for technology for the Department of Commerce, the highest-ranking U.S. official charged specifically with representing and advocating for the United States high tech industry globally. He led multiple bilateral technology trade missions for the U.S. government in the European Union, Asia and Russia and served as co-chair for the White House PCAST, the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
Cresanti takes the reins during a challenging time for the franchise industry. Moves by the National Labor Relations Board have expanded the joint-employer standard, opening companies up to increased liability. In addition, national groups are taking aim at the fast-food industry over pay for employees. Pressure is growing from several quarters to raise the wage to $15 per hour nationally.
Click here to read more: IFA
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About the Author
Nick Powills
FollowNick Powills, CFE, founded No Limit Agency in 2008 and serves as Chief Brand Strategist for the Chicago-based firm. No Limit is a full-service communications agency that establishes and elevates brands by bridging Public Relations, Social Media, Marketing, Advertising, Digital, and a lot of creativity, to best strategize well-rounded and successful campaigns for 50+ global franchise brands. By presenting visionary ideas and building real relationships, No Limit is able to create effective media branding strategies to help companies grow. Nick currently leads a staff of writers, media strategists, designers, social media experts and digital producers in an office think-tank where brands are humanized for strong, compelling media stories. Prior to starting No Limit at the age of 27, Nick spent four years working at a franchise PR agency where he mastered the art of building rapport with media outlets and creating newsworthy pitches for earned media placements. He holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Drake University in Iowa.
