FranConnect, a leading provider of AI-powered sales, operations, and marketing solutions for franchise and multi-location businesses, has announced a major leadership expansion aimed at accelerating innovation and scaling global growth.
The company has appointed Charlie Zhang as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Mark Calvillo as Chief Product Officer, and elevated Jaffrey Ali to the newly created role of Chief AI Officer. The move signals FranConnect’s intent to double down on AI, automation, and data-driven transformation — critical forces reshaping how large, distributed business networks operate.
“Our customers are demanding smarter, faster, and more scalable solutions,” said Gabby Wong, CEO of FranConnect. “These promotions reflect our belief that leadership must evolve alongside the market. Jaffrey, Mark, and Charlie each bring the vision and experience needed to help our customers grow in this new era.”
Jaffrey Ali: Leading FranConnect’s AI Evolution
The appointment of Jaffrey Ali as Chief AI Officer marks a pivotal step in FranConnect’s innovation roadmap. A long-time leader within the company, Ali has spearheaded its Frannie AI™ initiative, which powers intelligent, agent-based tools for data analysis, sales, operations, training, and finance.
Under his direction, FranConnect also launched FranConnect GO, Candidate Coach, and its advanced analytics suite, helping franchise brands harness AI to improve decision-making, streamline operations, and drive growth.
The creation of the Chief AI Officer role underscores FranConnect’s belief that AI is no longer a feature — it’s foundational to how modern franchises compete.
“AI is not just a tool,” said Ali in prior discussions about FranConnect’s roadmap. “It’s becoming the connective tissue for every operational and strategic decision a business makes.”
Mark Calvillo: Accelerating Product Innovation and Global Expansion
With over 25 years of experience in franchising and restaurant tech, Mark Calvillo joins FranConnect as Chief Product Officer after a successful tenure at Restaurant365, where he guided the company through rapid scaling, acquisitions, and multiple funding rounds.
At FranConnect, Calvillo will oversee product strategy, innovation, and commercialization across all global markets. His mission: to deliver next-gen tools that unify sales, operations, and marketing workflows under a single AI-enabled ecosystem — helping franchise brands unlock growth at scale.
Charlie Zhang: Scaling Finance and Operations for Growth
On the financial and operational front, Charlie Zhang takes on dual responsibilities as CFO and COO, bringing deep experience from Citigroup, Warburg Pincus, and ION Analytics.
Zhang has a strong track record in scaling PE-backed software and data businesses globally, having led ION Analytics through significant revenue and EBITDA expansion. At FranConnect, he will drive global finance, operational efficiency, and corporate development as the company targets 2,000 global franchise brands.
“Charlie brings both operational precision and strategic vision,” said Wong. “He’s exactly the kind of leader we need as we expand our platform and customer footprint.”
The Bigger Picture: Building the Franchise Platform of the Future
These appointments follow the recent addition of Adam Walton as Chief Customer Officer, completing what Wong calls a “bold and balanced” executive team that blends AI, product, operations, and customer excellence.
As AI-driven transformation sweeps across industries, the franchise and multi-location market is undergoing its own digital awakening. From predictive analytics to generative content and workflow automation, AI is reshaping everything from lead conversion to franchise support — and FranConnect is positioning itself as the operating system for that change.
With Frannie AI™ already integrated into its core platform and a leadership team purpose-built for innovation, FranConnect’s next chapter looks squarely focused on scale, intelligence, and transformation.
“Technology businesses are changing rapidly,” Wong added. “FranConnect will always strive to be on the cutting edge to serve the needs of our customers and lead the market. Transformation is in our DNA.”
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