--- title: "Meet the prestigious judging panel of the Global Franchise Awards 2021" url: https://burnaze.com/article/81b0c9c7-8e4c-49f7-8623-cde3ab64466a source: "Global Franchise" original_url: https://www.global-franchise.com/news/meet-the-prestigious-judging-panel-of-the-global-franchise-awards-2021 author: "Kieran M" category: "Franchise Industry" industry: "Franchise Industry" published: 2021-02-15T10:40:00.000Z modified: 2026-10-31T16:54:07.859Z image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1551836022-deb4988cc6c0?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop --- # Meet the prestigious judging panel of the Global Franchise Awards 2021 **TL;DR:** The Global Franchise Awards 2021 judging panel consists of industry experts, including Robert Cresanti, Pip Wilkins, and Johan Martinsson. The panel will assess the industry-leading ability of brands entering the awards. *By Kieran M, originally published in Global Franchise on 2021-02-15. [Read the original](https://www.global-franchise.com/news/meet-the-prestigious-judging-panel-of-the-global-franchise-awards-2021).* ## Story Last week, we highlighted six of the key reasons why you should enter your brand into the Global Franchise Awards 2021 before the entry deadline of March 29 at 5pm GMT. These included unbeatable leverage over your competitors, outstanding digital coverage through the likes of *Global Franchise* magazine and *The Global Franchise Podcast*, and a star-studded awards ceremony. We also mentioned the prestigious judging panel that would assess the industry-leading ability of your brand, and this week, let’s take a look at who this collection of industry experts is comprised of. **HEAD JUDGE** **Robert Cresanti – president and CEO, International Franchise Association** Robert serves as the president and CEO of the IFA, the world’s oldest and largest organization representing the franchising industry. His work in governmental relations for the IFA has been instrumental in supporting the franchise industry in recent times, and Robert’s immersion in all things franchising made him the perfect assessor of ethical and successful networks. **CHAIR OF JUDGES** **Pip Wilkins – CEO, British Franchise Association** With 20 years’ experience in the franchise sector, Pip represents the U.K. at both the European Franchise Federation and World Franchise Council. Under her leadership, the British Franchise Association (bfa) has grown to be one of the largest associations in Europe As chair of judges, Pip will oversee the judging process and independently ensure rigorous processes are being adhered to. **Johan Martinsson – CEO, Swedish Franchise Association** In recent years, the Swedish Franchise Association has developed into a well-respected player in the Swedish economy. This is thanks in no small part to Johan, who has developed the organization’s tools to provide agile and creative solutions to its supporting members. The Association also recently became a part of *Global Franchise*‘s network of international associations, designed to share best practice and insider knowledge. **Katalin Mandel, PhD – CEO, Hungarian Franchise Association** As CEO of the Hungarian Franchise Association since 2008, Katalin has helped the association to grow into one of the most important in the CEE region. She represents the Hungarian franchise industry at the European Franchise Federation and World Franchise Council, and has co-authored several books about franchising. Like Martinsson, Mandel and the Hungarian Franchise Association also recently joined *Global Franchise*‘s network of international associations; sharing insight into exciting new franchising opportunities, worldwide. **Andrew Brattesani – head of franchising, HSBC UK** Andrew 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 U.K. out of HSBC Headquarters in Canary Wharf with a portfolio of some 4,000 SME clients. **Mary Aldred – CEO, Franchise Council of Australia** Mary commenced as the CEO of the Franchise Council of Australia in April, 2018. She brought a lifelong connection to small businesses to the role, having grown up around a family-run business in regional Victoria. As well as working for the FCA, Mary has served on a number of boards and government advisory committees, including the Victorian Women’s Corrections Ministerial Advisory Committee. **Robert Stidham – CEO and founder, Summa Franchise Consulting** Robert is an accomplished franchise industry leader, and alongside founding Summa Franchise Consulting, he is also the founder of Franchise Dynamics; an award-winning global franchise sales outsourcing company. His track record of improving franchise brand performance and increasing units position him as a true thought-leader in the industry. **Suzie McCafferty – CEO, Platinum Wave Franchising** Suzie founded Platinum Wave in 2010, and now possesses more than 20 years of hands-on industry experience, including building her own international retail franchise brand and running the corporate franchise division of a plc. She is also chair of the bfa’s Scottish Franchise Forum, and a regional chair for EWIF. ## Entities - Franchise Industry (sector) - Global Franchise (publication) - franchise awards (topic) - Kieran M (person) - International Franchise Association (company) - HSBC (investor) - industry experts (topic) - award judging (topic) --- Originally reported by Kieran M, Global Franchise (https://www.global-franchise.com/news/meet-the-prestigious-judging-panel-of-the-global-franchise-awards-2021). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/81b0c9c7-8e4c-49f7-8623-cde3ab64466a).