Robert Cresanti Named IFA President & CEO
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2015—The International Franchise Association Board of Directors today named Robert Cresanti President & CEO to lead the largest organization that represents franchisors, franchisees and suppliers.
“We could not be more pleased that Robert Cresanti has accepted this position,” said IFA Chair Melanie Bergeron, CFE, chairwoman of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, International. “As IFA Executive Vice President of Government Relations & Public Policy and Interim COO, Robert has proven experience in representing the industry during very challenging times and brings seasoned judgement and leadership to this important position. We are confident that the IFA will continue to thrive under his guidance.”
Cresanti joined IFA in 2014 from SAP America, Inc., where he served as vice president of Corporate Affairs & Government Relations since 2009. In his public service, he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2006 as Under Secretary for Technology for the Department of Commerce, the highest ranking U.S. official charged specifically with representing and advocating for the United States high tech industry globally. He chaired multiple bilateral technology trade missions for the U.S. government in the European Union, Asia and Russia and served as co-chair for the White House PCAST, the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. 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.
As a trade association executive, he served as vice president of Global Public Policy for the Business Software Alliance from 2001 to 2006, representing the technology industry in international negotiations and complex regulatory, legislative and commercial legal matters on a global level. He also served as senior vice president and general counsel of ITAA (now TechAmerica). Immediately prior to joining SAP, he served as the CEO of the IPXI, the Intellectual Property Exchange.
“I am humbled and honored by the Board’s trust in me and look forward to continuing the great work the IFA team has done in protecting, promoting and enhancing franchising,” Cresanti said. “IFA is a strong and vibrant organization and I am privileged to serve in this new capacity to ensure that it remain strong well into the future.”
Cresanti received a law degree from Baylor University School of Law, a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from Austin College. He also received a certificate of EC Law from the University of Glasgow Law School and completed master’s courses in International Relations from Johns Hopkins SAIS. Cresanti resides in Northern Virginia with his wife Colleen and their three children.