Katalin Mandel Ph.D. is a veteran in the franchise industry. She has been helping foreign brands to enter and adapt to the Hungarian and European markets, while also supporting local chains to build up their franchise system. Since 2008, she has been the CEO of the HFA (Hungarian Franchise Association), which represents the franchise sector in Hungary. She is active in lobbying activities of the franchise sector in Hungary. She is the co-author in several books: Franchise as a Business Model (2010), Franchising in Eastern Europe (2018) and Franchising in V4 countries (2020).
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.
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.
Matthias Lehner is President of the European Franchise Federation and founder of Bodystreet, the leading EMS Boutique Fitness Franchise with locations on four continents. With over 15 years of international franchising experience, he brings deep expertise in brand development, system leadership, and innovation.
Passionate about fair and sustainable franchise partnerships, Matthias values the Global Franchise Awards as an important platform to recognize excellence and set international benchmarks in an ever-evolving global franchise landscape.
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.
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.
Isabelle recently joined L’Express Franchise as International Director. She brings a strong and diverse international background, with extensive experience across global markets from Russia to Mexico, in Sales, Marketing, Strategy, and Business Development. Prior to joining L’Express Franchise, Isabelle held roles in a variety of sectors, including Energy Transition and Consumer Goods, encompassing both Food and Care products.
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