IFA Names Matt Haller President and CEO

The International Franchise Association has a new chief executive.

In a letter to members on Thursday, IFA announced the appointment of Matt Haller as the trade group’s new president and CEO. Haller replaces former president and CEO Robert Cresanti, who announced his departure from the world’s largest franchise-industry association in November.

Haller has worked with IFA for ten years in a variety of roles, including Communications Director; Vice President of Public Affairs; Chief of Staff to the CEO; Senior Vice President, Public Affairs; and for the last four years, Senior Vice President, Government Relations and Public Affairs.

In recent years, Haller helped the IFA expand its political influence in the face of urgent challenges to the industry, including the National Labor Relations Board’s joint-employer ruling and the various impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

From the letter:

During his tenure leading IFA’s advocacy strategy, Matt expanded the association’s lobbying, coalition building, grassroots, research and communications capabilities and took on some of our more difficult challenges, including defending the business model against the joint employer threat and significant legislative and regulatory issues at the federal, state & local levels. During the pandemic, he led the team’s focus on helping the franchise business model survive, ensuring the Paycheck Protection Program and other relief efforts included eligibility for franchise businesses, while working with the internal team to innovate how to provide IFA members real value for their membership in the association.

As president and CEO, Haller will work with the IFA Board to “enhance IFA member value by focusing and committing to providing this industry with the tools necessary to come out of the pandemic stronger and more focused than ever before,” the letter said. 

“I am extremely proud of the work we have achieved to elevate the franchise business model and create an inclusive, welcoming environment for our members,” Haller said in a press release. “As we enter a new chapter for the IFA, I vow to continue building upon our strides and break down barriers for opportunity, enhancing our member engagement and value with a 360-degree approach, leveraging the IFA Foundation’s programs to tell the story of franchising in meaningful and impactful ways, and maintaining our powerful advocacy presence in Washington, state capitols and city halls.”

The International Franchise Association is the world’s oldest largest member organization for the franchise industry. The organization advocates for the industry through government and media relations and provides educational programs, trade shows and summits for those working in or with the franchise industry. The organization celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.