Meet this year’s judging panel

Cristina Matos

CEO, Portuguese Franchise Association

Over the past two decades, she has played a pivotal role in the expansion of franchising, starting her journey with the Brodheim Group and serving as Vice-President of the Portuguese Franchise Association. Cristina has received two international and one national awards for her contributions on the franchising environment. In 2018, Cristina became President of the Task Force at the World Franchise Council, a position she held until 2022. Representing the Portuguese Franchise Association, she fosters relationships with global franchising institutions such as the WFC - World Franchise Council, EFF - European Franchise Federation and FIAF - Ibero-American Franchise Federation.

Farrah Rose

QFP, Head of International Development, The Franchising Centre

Farrah Rose is a multi-award-winning franchise consultant who has been Involved in international franchising since 1984. She has worked with more than 300 top franchise brands from around the globe. Including working with 76 associates around the world to facilitate franchise expansions for her clients. Her contribution to the industry placed her in the Global Franchise Hall of Fame in 2023.

Pip Wilkins

CEO, British Franchise Association

Pip Wilkins is the chief executive of the British Franchise Association (bfa). With more than 20 years’ experience in the franchise sector, Pip has worked her way up within the Association, gaining insight from all areas of the business and the franchise industry. She is well-known and highly regarded in franchising for her dedication and depth of knowledge.

Pip regularly speaks at conferences and seminars both domestically and internationally, as well as writing on franchising matters for national, local, and franchising trade press. Pip is also a regular judge for the annual bfa HSBC Franchise Awards and the Franchise Marketing Awards.

Jennifer Brandeen

Chief revenue officer, International Franchise Association

Jennifer Brandeen joined the International Franchise Association (IFA) as the chief revenue officer in November 2019. Prior to joining the IFA, Jennifer served in a variety of roles ranging from sales and marketing to finance and consulting, most recently leading strategy and business development for Sylvan Learning.

Steven Wolfson

Founder, Israel Franchise Institute

Steven Wolfson is the founder of the Israel Franchise Institute (IFI), voted "Best Franchise Development and Education Consultancy in Israel" by MEA Markets for 2020 and 2021. He is also chairman of the Committee for the Promotion of Franchise Regulation and Ethics for LAHAV (Israel Chamber of Independent Businesses), and the appointed franchise mediator and arbitrator for the Center for Mediation and Arbitration in Israel.

Sherry McNeil

President & CEO, Canadian Franchise Association

Sherry McNeil is the president and CEO of the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) and a franchising expert with over 25 years of experience assisting franchisors and franchisees in their growth and success. She has consistently been named one of the world's Top 100 Most Influential Women in Franchising. Sherry represents Canada at the World Franchise Council and serves as the organization’s vice-secretariat of communications.