Global Franchise Issue 10.1

Meet the Judges Cristina Matos, CEO, Portuguese Franchise Association A champion of franchising across Europe, Cristina Matos leads the Portuguese Franchise Association with a strong focus on innovation, sustainable growth, and cross- border collaboration, while representing Portugal in the World Franchise Council and European Franchising Federation. PipWilkins, CEO, British Franchise Association As one of the UK’s most prominent franchising figureheads, Pip Wilkins brings decades of experience and a passionate commitment to ethical franchising, supporting brands and franchisees alike through education and standards, and a respected speaker at conferences both at home and abroad. Jennifer Brandon, Chief Revenue Officer, International Franchise Association With a dynamic background in growth strategy and partnership development, Jennifer Brandon plays a pivotal role in shaping the IFA’s global initiatives and strengthening franchising’s voice on the world stage. The 2025 judging panel comprised distinguished industry leaders, each bringing deep expertise and a global perspective to the selection process: “This award truly belongs to our team and franchise owners, the people working hard daily to make Signarama what it is. Our franchisees live and breathe the brand, and that effort shows. We’re always exploring newways to help franchisees grow and be more profitable.” Signarama, Best Signage&Communications “Our approach has always been to crawl, walk, run. We’re not a franchise system that prides itself on pre-sold locations – we just want to open really good franchises, successfully and profitably.” City Cave, Best Emerging Franchise and Regional Champion –Asia Pacific GLOBAL FRANCHISE Issue 10.1