IFA Names Stephen J. Caldeira as President and Chief Executive Officer

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Jun 04, 2010, 10:59 ET

WASHINGTON, June 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- International Franchise Association Chairman Ken Walker, chairman and CEO of Driven Brands, announced today that Stephen J. Caldeira has been named President and CEO of IFA. Caldeira will assume his position June 15.

"As the franchising industry continues to work through a challenging economic and political climate, the search committee recognized that the IFA was going to need a passionate leader that had the strategic and tactical abilities to bridge the critical areas of public policy, communications and member services," Walker said. "Clearly Steve is that leader and we are thrilled that he will guide the IFA for many years to come. His unique blend of political, corporate, franchising, trade association and fundraising experience will further strengthen and facilitate IFA's mission to protect, enhance and promote franchising."

Caldeira previously served as Executive Vice President of Global Communications and Chief Public Affairs Officer for Dunkin' Brands, Inc., where he was in charge of worldwide communications for all internal and external audiences, as well as government affairs, corporate social responsibility, customer relations and the Dunkin' Brands Community Foundation. Prior to joining Dunkin' Brands, he was co-founder, president and CEO of The Elliot Leadership Institute, vice president of industry relations for PepsiCo, Inc. and a managing director in the U.S. Public Affairs Practice at Burson-Marsteller.

He has also served as president & COO of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and senior vice president of communications and marketing at the National Restaurant Association. His political experience includes positions with Ronald S. Lauder—former Ambassador to Austria, deputy assistant secretary for European and NATO Policy and chairman of Estee Lauder International—in his bid for mayor of New York, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and former U.S. Sen. Alfonse D'Amato.

Steve has been named one of the "Top 50 Influencers" by Nation's Restaurant News, and a "Rising Star" by Campaigns & Elections and Restaurant Hospitality magazines, respectively. Caldeira is active in several foodservice industry foundations and organizations and is also a member of the corporation at Johnson & Wales University and a member of the national board of advisors for the Leon & Sylvia Panetta Institute for Public Policy.

"I am truly excited to have the opportunity to work with the IFA Board of Directors, staff and membership in leading such a well-respected and increasingly influential trade association. As the IFA looks to the future, it will be critical to build on the momentum the association has gained on Capitol Hill the past several years," Caldeira said. "As part of the IFA's unwavering and steadfast commitment to protect and enhance brand and member value, we will continue to be proactive in reminding policymakers and the media that the franchising industry is, and will continue to be, an economic force and proven job creator in the global economy."

Caldeira replaces Matthew Shay who resigned in March to become President and CEO of the National Retail Federation.

IFA is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. Celebrating 50 years of excellence, education and advocacy, IFA protects, enhances and promotes franchising through government relations, public relations and educational programs. Through its awareness campaign highlighting the theme, Franchising: Building Local Businesses, One Opportunity at a Time, IFA promotes the 21 million jobs and $2.3 trillion of economic activity generated by franchising. IFA members include franchise companies in over 90 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law and business development.

To download a photo of Stephen Caldeira, click here.

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SOURCE International Franchise Association