Meet this year’s judging panel

Chair of Judges

Pip Wilkins

CEO, British Franchise Association

With 20 years' experience in the franchise sector, Pip represents the UK at both the European Franchise Federation and World Franchise Council. The bfa has grown to be one of the largest franchise associations in Europe, and one of the most successful associations in the world. As the Chair of Judges, Pip will oversee the judging process and independently ensures that rigorous and ethical judging processes are followed

Head Judge

Robert Cresanti

President & CEO, International Franchise Association

Robert serves as the President and CEO of the International Franchise Association, the world’s oldest and largest organization representing the franchising industry. He joined the IFA in April of 2014 from SAP America, Inc., where he served as Vice President of Corporate Affairs & Government Relations since 2009. In his nearly decade-long service on Capitol Hill, ranging from Committee Chief of Staff in the Senate, to Legislative Counsel in the House, he handled legislation before the Banking, Judiciary, Commerce, Government Affairs and Finance Committees.

Johan Martinsson

CEO, Swedish Franchise Association

During the last five years, the Swedish Franchise Association has grown and developed into a well-respected player in the Swedish economy. Its tools have been creative solutions in cooperation with supporting members, partners and the board of directors. Today the association is a huge “family” that supports, develops and protects the franchise business model.

Katalin Mandel PhD

CEO, Hungarian Franchise Association

Katalin Mandel PhD has been the CEO of the Hungarian Franchise Association since 2008. The association has grown to become one of the most important in the CEE region. Katalin represents the Hungarian franchise sector at the European Franchise Federation and World Franchise Council. She has co-authored several books about franchising.

Andrew Brattesani

Head of Franchising, HSBC UK

Andrew Brettesani has held a number of managerial roles within HSBC, including his last role as Senior Area Commercial director, leading the largest commercial banking team in the UK out of HSBC Headquarters in Canary Wharf with a portfolio of some 4,000 SME clients.

Mary Aldred

CEO, Franchise Council of Australia

Mary Aldred commenced as the CEO of the Franchise Council of Australia in April, 2018. She has a lifelong connection to small business, growing up in a family-run small business in regional Victoria. Prior to commencing at the FCA, Mary served as the inaugural CEO of the Committee for Gippsland from 2011 to 2018. Mary has also served on a number of boards and government advisory committees, including as a director on LifeLine Gippsland, Latrobe Regional Hospital and as a member of the Victorian Women’s Corrections Ministerial Advisory Committee and others.

Robert Stidham

CEO & Founder, Summa Franchise Consulting

Chief Executive Officer of Summa Franchise Consulting, he is also the founder of Franchise Dynamics, an award-winning global franchise sales outsourcing (FSO) company and a franchise company investor in HCAN – HomeCare Advocacy Network, where is also serves as Chairman of the Board.

Mr. Stidham is an accomplished franchise industry leader of companies with a proven track record of improving franchise company performance and increasing franchise units, revenue and profitability while gaining market share and expanding brand awareness for both new franchise concepts and established brands. He is active in the International Franchise Association (IFA), serving as a member of the International Committee.

Suzie McCafferty

CEO, Platinum Wave Franchising

Platinum Wave Franchising is the international, independent, bfa-accredited franchise consultancy firm, founded by Suzie in 2010. With 20 years of hands-on industry experience, including building her own international retail franchise brand from scratch and running the corporate franchise division of a plc, Suzie’s consultancy comes with an authenticity that is hard to match. She is also a non-exec director with Right at Home UK and chair of the bfa’s Scottish Franchise Forum.