BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Avinash Nichkawde
Founder & Group CEO
Avinash Nichkawde is a 1988 batch Chartered Accountant and former national-level sportsman who has built a distinguished global career spanning over 30 years across three continents. His expertise ranges from tax and business consulting to education and entrepreneurship. Avinash currently leads a multinational group holding company with seven verticals operating in 10 countries.
After migrating to Australia in 1989, he founded Avinash Nichkawde & Co, which became one of Australia’s top consulting firms within four years, serving over 7,000 clients including 20 public companies. He later expanded into international education by launching vocational colleges in Australia and New Zealand, and acquiring a commercial pilot training school in Melbourne. His ventures nearly led to a public listing, marking the start of A N Global’s international consulting journey.
Since relocating to the U.S. in 2012, Avinash turned around a struggling business in California and transformed it into a recession- and pandemic-proof enterprise. Trained in business brokerage and franchise consulting, he owned four brokerage territories and has successfully guided global clients in investment-based migration since 2018. A dual citizen of Australia and the U.S., Avinash has traveled to over 40 countries for business.
Paula Kruger
Independent Director, Operations
Paula started her career at Citi where she worked in Operations, Banking and Customer Service in New York and Korea. Various positions in different roles in the banking division, credit card division and development division afforded her the opportunity to gain management and leadership experience. She had the unique opportunity to open the first Citibank Branch in Seoul, Korea. After leaving Citi, she went on to manage progressively larger organizations at American Express, EDS, and Qwest Telecommunications. At EDS, she managed the CRM Division which included the global network of call centers. As the EVP of the Consumer Division at Qwest, she managed the 14 states where Qwest had its call centers. After managing the Consumer Division at Eir in Dublin, Ireland, Paula started and sold an international promotional products company. After her experience selling a company, she became interested in the world of mergers and acquisitions.
For the past 10 years, Paula has worked with buyers and sellers globally in various industries to find the right buyers for their companies. Her experience has enabled her to provide the guidance and support to business owners, leading them through the complicated process of selling a company.
Dr.Russell Read
Independent Director, Market Capitals
Russell Read has joined our board of directors and its Compensation Committee. He is currently the Chief Investment Officer at Abu Dhabi-based MEASA Partners Ltd. Since December 2022, he served as Chief Investment Officer of 10X Capital, focusing on developing its asset management business. From 2020 to 2022, he was Managing Partner of C Change Group LLC, focusing on physical infrastructure and private equity investments. Previously, he served as Managing Director and Executive Committee Member at MSCI Ltd, where he developed private market investment analytics, and as Chief Investment Officer for the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation.
Earlier, Mr. Read held senior roles, including Chief Investment Officer at Gulf Investment Corporation, CalPERS, and Deutsche Asset Management. He has significant global investment experience, especially in natural resources and financial services. He holds degrees in Statistics, Finance, and International Business from the University of Chicago and Economics and Political Science from Stanford University, along with CFA, Ch.F.C., and C.L.U. certifications.
Currently, Mr. Read serves on the Investment Funds Committee for Wyoming’s sovereign wealth funds. His past roles include Chairman of the Investors’ Committee for the President’s Working Group on Financial Markets, board roles at the Hedge Funds Standards Board and New York Academy of Sciences, and investment advisory for the University of Maine.
SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM
Our executive team has over a hundred years of combined business experience,
with extensive backgrounds in accounting, analytics, strategic marketing, and business sales.
Brian Keen
Chief Executive Officer, Australia
Brian has owned 25 businesses and, as a serial entrepreneur, possesses extensive experience both inside and outside the franchise industry, along with a proven track record as a consultant and mentor.
His journey in franchising began over 30 years ago as a franchisee, where he owned several outlets within the Bedshed group in Western Australia. After leaving Bedshed, he transitioned into roles as a Franchise Broker and Consultant before becoming a franchisor. Over the next five years, he successfully developed six new franchise groups, expanding them to over 120 outlets.
Throughout the following two decades, he continued his work as a franchise consultant, assisting numerous businesses in franchising successfully. His efforts not only increased profitability for these businesses but also enabled their owners to reduce their workload and reclaim a better work-life balance. Altogether, the businesses he has collaborated with, have collectively grown by more than A$5 billion.
Dr. Meenaxi Dhariwal
President, FranchiseSimply
Dr. Meenaxi Dhariwal has been an Entrepreneur, Professor, and Author with over 30 Years of rich experience in diverse fields. She was Dean, of ICFAI, a leading Business School in Mumbai. She has been a Visiting faculty with premier management and engineering institutes including IIT, Bombay. She has also authored articles on economic issues for leading newspapers of India – Financial Express and Dainik Bhaskar. In 2017, she founded Alpha Global, a venture offering International Immersion Programs for students and professionals.
She is passionate about mentoring budding entrepreneurs and also set up an incubation center at ICFAI. She was Hon Secretary, CSBE – Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, for 6 years and was instrumental in getting CSBE, an affiliate status with ICSB, International Council for Small Business. Founded in 1955, and headquartered in Washington, DC, ICSB is the first international membership organization to promote the growth and development of small businesses worldwide, with a presence in 85 countries.
Rajesh Ratan
Chief Executive Officer, India
Rajesh Ratan is a seasoned entrepreneur with a demonstrated history of working in the Corporate world for more than three decades. He has travelled widely through the length & breadth of the country to have first-hand experience about the dynamics of different markets.
Rajesh is a Delhi University pass out with a Post Graduation in Business Management. He has held various positions as CEO, COO & Director in the field of Courier, Logistics & Supply chain, Education, Real Estate & Hospitality Business. During his tenure he has worked with various team sizes & delivered excellent results.
He enjoys building & growing businesses & teams with a strategic vision, robust execution & focussed results. With experience in Franchising, he has good business acumen in developing Franchise Partners for Franchisors, its business modelling, deal structuring & planning. For Investors, he acts as a catalyst & a mentor. He has successfully structured & closed many deals so far & facilitated his team for achieving their best. His experience, knowledge & skill set has enabled him to guide & hand-hold business owners in scaling up their businesses through Franchising.
He is highly motivated, passionate, a result-oriented leader with great respect for everyone in his work environment, along with a positive attitude, patience & consistency towards his work.
Jorge Flores
Chief Executive Officer, Mexico
An experienced Industrial Engineer with over 24 years in the manufacturing and technology sectors, he has consistently demonstrated a strong track record in business leadership and innovation. He founded and successfully led a metal guardrail manufacturing company, scaling operations through strategic planning, process improvement, and operational excellence. With a keen eye for opportunity, he later expanded into international markets by importing LED screens from China, combining technical innovation with global trade expertise.
Known for his persistence and results-driven mindset, he excels in identifying growth opportunities, building effective teams, and delivering customized solutions that meet dynamic market needs. His ability to navigate complex challenges while driving performance has positioned him as a trusted leader across multiple industries. Passionate about sustainable growth and strategic development, he continues to create value through his forward-thinking approach and commitment to excellence.
Nwali Tochukwu
Chief Executive Officer, Africa
Nwali Tochukwu Friday is an experienced entrepreneur, author and business leader with over two decades of experience. He is based in Lagos, Nigeria, and has founded and run several successful businesses in the areas of real estate, travel and logistics. He is the founder and CEO of TD Home & Real Estate Limited, where he identifies markets and scalable investments in residential and commercial properties and sources investors and buyers.
He is also the founder and CEO of TD Travel & Logistics, which operates in Nigeria and New Jersey, USA, where he manages the daily operations and ensures productivity and growth. Nwali has authored two books: “Entrepreneurship as a Disruptive Thinker and Innovator” published by National Library: Business & Entrepreneurship, and “Entrepreneur Cracks The Palm-Kernel Solve The Problem” published by Amazon.com. Previously, he has worked as the Airport Station Manager at ASKY Airlines and as the Agency Manager at Pat-Elo Travels. Nwali is a result-oriented leader who is committed to providing top-quality professional services to dynamic and challenging organizations through team work, coaching, and motivation.
Krishanu Mitra
Chief Executive Officer, Middle East
Krishanu Mitra is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of international experience, leading teams and delivering results across APAC, NAM, LATAM, and EMEA. His expertise lies in franchise consulting, business transformation, and strategic leadership, with a proven ability to drive growth and operational excellence in dynamic and multicultural environments.
As a Franchise Consultant, Krishanu collaborates with franchisors and franchisees to design growth strategies, optimize operations, and enhance investor relations. His leadership style fosters innovation and capability building, ensuring sustainable outcomes. He has a demonstrated ability to manage complex transitions, oversee large-scale transformations, and strengthen stakeholder and client relationships through agile methodologies and resilient practices.
Krishanu’s academic foundation includes an MBA from ICFAI University and a Senior Management Program in Global Leadership from IIM Lucknow. He is also a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, Lean Certified Professional, and Certified PRINCE 2 Practitioner, leveraging these qualifications to drive process optimization and innovation.
With expertise in vendor management, diversity and inclusion, and coaching and mentoring, Krishanu brings a strategic and empathetic approach to leadership. His global exposure and passion for fostering growth make him a trusted advisor for businesses aiming to achieve transformative success.
Dave Seligsohn
President, Business Consulting
Dave is a data-driven leader who combines operational expertise with a growth-focused mindset. As a seasoned ‘C’ level executive, he has excelled in driving business growth through innovation, business development, and partnerships.
With sharp analytical skills, Dave identifies challenges and crafts effective solutions, building and leading teams to deliver results. Known for his principled and compassionate leadership, he prioritizes the success and well-being of both employees and clients.
A proven change agent, Dave balances organizational success with personal development. His innovative benchmarks and models have consistently driven excellence across client organizations, leaving a lasting impact.
Peter Scaglione
VP Franchise Sales, USA
Peter Scaglione is a seasoned business leader with over 20 years of expertise in sales, marketing, and strategic growth, particularly in franchising. He excels in franchise operations, market expansion, and guiding franchise owners to achieve growth and efficiency. Known for fostering high-performance cultures, Peter has successfully developed new locations, expanded territories, and exceeded sales targets through strategic marketing initiatives.
Peter’s leadership includes overseeing large territories, mentoring franchisees, and optimizing performance. His achievements include 100% on-time royalty collections, streamlined operations, and increased franchisee engagement. Recognized with awards like MVP and Top Sales, Peter’s commitment to excellence is evident in his results. With a passion for mentorship and innovation, he drives operational success while fostering growth for franchisees and teams.
Ernesto Gomez
Director Franchising, Mexico
Ernesto Gómez Berjón is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in startup and franchise growth, corporate strategy, sales, and marketing. He is an experienced entrepreneur and intrapreneur with a proven track record of working in the financial services industry, franchises, education, and consulting services. Ernesto’s extensive experience includes serving as LATAM Manager for a Lending Fintech that graduated from Y Combinator, LATAM Manager for a top consulting firm in the USA focused on training and consulting services for top banks in the region, franchisee of a credit broker in Mexico, CGO of a Mexican lender that specializes in credits for franchises, sales partner of a prestigious IP consulting firm in franchise services in Mexico, academic manager of the “Diplomado Franquicias de Alto Rendimiento” program at Universidad Anahuac Mexico, Campus Sur, founding member of the Instituto Latinoamericano de la Franquicia, and franchisee of the largest coding school for kids in Mexico. Additionally, he serves as the editorial coordinator of “Guia: Inversión Inteligente en Franquicias” for Entrepreneur Magazine.
Akshay Nichkawde
Executive Director, Australia
Akshay Nichkawde has a degree in economics and finance. He was groomed as an elite sportsman in Australia from his childhood and performed well at the national level but his career ended with an injury.
He is an experienced business owner and a consultant for the Educational and Business Services sector. His business “Phoenix Compliance Management” was acquired by AN Global Holdings and now he is fully dedicated to his new position.
Akshay provides strategic advice and leads a successful team in providing professional services. His professionalism involves consistently achieving high standards, both visibly and “behind the scenes”. Akshay plans to take A N Global Holdings to the next level.
Dave is a data-driven leader who combines operational expertise with a growth-focused mindset. As a seasoned ‘C’ level executive, he has excelled in driving business growth through innovation, business development, and partnerships.
With sharp analytical skills, Dave identifies challenges and crafts effective solutions, building and leading teams to deliver results. Known for his principled and compassionate leadership, he prioritizes the success and well-being of both employees and clients.
A proven change agent, Dave balances organizational success with personal development. His innovative benchmarks and models have consistently driven excellence across client organizations, leaving a lasting impact.
Elvia Martinez
Operations Manager, Mexico
Auditor & Accountant degree from Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas.
Highly motivated results-driven leader between administration departments for foreign US and Korean companies with more than ten years of Administration, HR and Training Manager experience.
Being a strategic partner contributing in the development of the organization wide business plan and objectives being accountable and responsible for cost reductions and the measurement of HR programs and processes. Employee sponsors create a healthy work environment and employee assistance programs.
Supervise and coordinate Administration departments as AP, AR counting & tax, Inventory, Human Resource, submitted Cash flow reports, financial analysis, budget, projections, marketing research.
Strengths include improving efficiency, developing processes, building strong relationships and talent development. Performance tracking and process development and evaluation improvement. Forecasting Strategy Development.
Dr G. L Aggarwal
Executive Director, India
Dr G. L Aggarwal has rich experience of 44 years as a Chartered Accountant. He also has extensive experience of working with both non-profit and for-profit organizations, providing innovative solutions for the efficient management of various projects. He also runs an NGO in Delhi.
He has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate (Doctor of Social Work) from the global council for professional education mission, Global Peace University, USA.
He is a charismatic, result-oriented leader with a commitment to building a conducive work environment and maximizing opportunities for individual, group and company.
Vijay Kumar.B
Director Technology
Vijay Kumar Bandi is a dynamic professional known for his adept project management skills and a passion for delivering innovative solutions. With an impressive track record spanning over 14+ years, he has led and executed more than 100+ projects, primarily focusing on branding and marketing initiatives.
Vijay recognizes the transformative power of technology in driving business growth. Beyond his technical prowess, he serves as a trusted advisor to clients, offering insights on how IT can be strategically leveraged to make a tangible impact on businesses.
Vijay possesses a unique blend of strategic thinking and hands-on expertise, allowing him to bridge the gap between client visions and technical execution. His journey is marked by an unwavering commitment to excellence, where he constantly seeks out ingenious solutions to complex challenges across diverse domains.
Marilyn Ordas
VP Franchising, Canada
With over 20 years of experience in business and office management, marketing, and finance, she brings a wealth of expertise to every role. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master’s in Public Administration, providing her with a solid foundation in both private and public sector operations.
Passionate about optimizing business processes and driving organizational success, she thrives in dynamic environments and has a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to achieve strategic goals. Outside of work, she is continually expanding her knowledge in emerging trends and technologies that are shaping the future of business.
Jessica Onyike
RVP Consulting, Africa
Jessica Ojingwa Onyike is a seasoned professional with expertise in business development and communication. With a Master’s in Public & International Affairs and a Bachelor’s in Theatre Arts, Jessica excels in strategic thinking and creativity. Her career spans roles such as Senior Business Development Executive at The Sun Publishing Limited, where she’s driven revenue growth since 2015. Jessica’s experience includes stints at The Sun Newspaper and NTA Channel 9, honing her writing, communication, and media skills. Active in professional associations like APCON and NIM, Jessica’s commitment to learning is evident.
Her accolades include the Distinguished Eminent Lioness Award and recognition for revenue generation at The Sun Publishing Ltd. Beyond work, Jessica enjoys writing, reading, and dancing. Her research interests range from theatre therapy to green growth strategies. With a knack for leadership and a collaborative spirit, Jessica is primed to make a significant impact.
Edna Nyidu
Country Manager, Ghana
Edna Nyidu is a seasoned and highly accomplished Director of Business Development with a proven track record of driving growth and expanding business horizons. With a career spanning over 15 years. She has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and keen understanding of market dynamics.
She holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Human Resource Management, from King’s College University in Ghana with first class honors and was awarded the best female student of 2014/2015 academic year. She has held key positions in several organizations such as, Hands n Help, Klips Global LLC, Kalex Academy, DG Financial Services Ltd, among others, where she played a pivotal role in transforming their business landscape and became a founding partner to Whitespace Media Services Ltd. In 2017 and till date.
Vincent Howell Celis
VP Sales & Marketing, US
He is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in business development, sales, customer service (CSR), and technical support (TSR). He has previously served as the Head Business Development Manager, where he led strategic initiatives to drive growth and client engagement. He also have experience as a Social Media Manager, handling online brand presence and digital campaigns.
His professional journey includes serving as an Ambassador and Business Development Manager at GetCallers, where he built client relationships and supported outreach efforts. His experience in the BPO industry has strengthened his communication, problem-solving, and team leadership skills. He hold a degree in Bachelor of Elementary Education from the University of Cebu, which reflects his strong foundation in teaching and people management.
His well-rounded skill set enables him to adapt to different roles with ease and deliver results in both educational and corporate settings. He is passionate about growth, innovation, and delivering value in every role he undertake.
Kanchaza Victoria Hilongos
Executive Success Manager
With a well-rounded background in business development, executive support, customer service, and sales, she brings a strategic and solutions-focused approach to every role. As a Business Development Manager, she had led growth initiatives, strengthened client relationships, and identified new opportunities to support long-term business success.
Her experience as an Executive Assistant has refined her ability to manage high-level operations, support executive leadership, and maintain a high standard of professionalism and discretion. Earlier in her career, she gained valuable frontline experience in customer service and sales, where she developed strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
This diverse foundation allows her to contribute across multiple business areas, support both strategic and operational goals, and adapt quickly to changing priorities. She is passionate about efficiency, collaboration, and delivering meaningful outcomes that support both clients and internal teams.
Kamlesh Ramani
RVP Biz. Consulting, UK
Kamlesh is a versatile professional with over 17 years of experience in Investment Banking, Education, Property Investment, and Charitable Organizations. He began his career in an Investment Bank as a KYC Business Administrator and then moved into the education sector, where he successfully ran an educational institute. Kamlesh has also advised clients on property investment and finance and has expertise in strategic planning, legal, and accounting management.
He has managed finances, legal compliance, and developed strategic plans for a local religious charity in London. Kamlesh is an analytical and strategic thinker with strong leadership and communication skills and a client-focused approach. His diverse experience in multiple industries equips him with a unique perspective and a broad range of skills.
Luis Delgado
RVP Consulting, Mexico
Administrator and Marketer, in the professional field he has stood out as a Consultant specialized in franchise development, business and intangible asset valuation for more than 15 years.
He has developed franchises of various businesses and markets since 2003, and additionally, he has been in charge of the valuation of various important and relevant brands in Mexico, including other intangible assets in sectors like construction, education, entertainment, food & beverage, etc.
He also has extensive experience in teaching and coordination of strategic training, having organized B2B and B2C diplomas, courses and workshops with various universities.
Luis has studied in various courses, programs, workshops, and diplomas in Fintech, Creation
and Operation of Private Equity Funds, Investment, and Real Estate Development, Electronic
Commerce, Digital Marketing, etc.
BUSINESS ADVISOR
Amit Chavan
Business Advisor
Amit has extensive experience working with leading IT consulting organizations, including Deloitte, Capgemini, Atos, TCS, Accenture, and Barclays Bank. Over the years, he has developed deep expertise in customer success and relationship management, building strong client partnerships and delivering exceptional outcomes.
Amit’s current focus is on business development, where he supports sales and pre-sales organizations while ensuring seamless service delivery across industries such as manufacturing, retail, banking and financial services, hi-tech, healthcare, and public sectors. He plays a pivotal role in managing end-to-end pre-sales pursuits, driving solutions for deals ranging from $5M to $1B in total contract value.
With domain expertise spanning retail, financial services, insurance, manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, healthcare, and technology, Amit leverages his comprehensive industry knowledge to deliver innovative and impactful solutions.
Amit’s key focus areas include entrepreneurship, customer obsession, and fostering client-centric strategies. His dedication to creating value for clients, combined with his ability to manage complex engagements, positions him as a trusted leader in driving growth and excellence across diverse business sectors.
OUR ADVISORY BOARD
Chris Conner
Franchising
Chris Conner has been a franchise consultant since 2001, starting with a Chicago-based firm where he worked with successful franchises like Jimmy John’s, European Wax Center, and Smash Burger.
In 2009, he founded Franchise Marketing Systems (FMS) in Atlanta, Georgia, to provide comprehensive franchise development services, including strategic planning, FDD and Franchise Agreement development, and marketing. Chris is a legend in the franchising industry, having developed over 750 franchise brands, including Anytime Fitness, Baxter Healthcare, Blimpie, Hungry Howie’s Pizza, Restoration 1, Smash My Trash, Two Men and a Truck, and many more. Those brands have grown to more than 9,700+ franchise territories.
Xavier Egan
Strategy
With two decades as a visionary leader across Private Equity, M&A, CRE, and technology, Xavier Egan is an American investor and entrepreneur known for his unmatched ability to simplify the complexities of business into transformative solutions. His extensive qualifications in finance, accounting, and strategic leadership have guided him in stewarding over $5 billion in transactions, creating lasting value and enabling enterprises to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment. Xavier’s insights into strategic growth have made him a trusted advisor in high-stakes corporate ecosystems.In addition to his business achievements, Xavier is deeply committed to community service and civic engagement, contributing his insights as a member of the Arlington Mayor’s Advisory Council. His passion for positive impact extends beyond the boardroom, as he consistently seeks avenues to uplift the local community through active participation and philanthropic endeavors.
Sam Udani
Investment Based Migration USA
Sam Udani has been involved with the immigration community in the USA for most of his career spanning three decades, involving immigration politics and immigration policy and covering all manner of immigration into the USA. He has been a tireless advocate for enlightened immigration laws for the USA since ACWIA, AC21/ACTA, and continuing from then on.
Mr. Udani currently serves as the Law Publisher and CEO of ILW.COM and Immigration Daily, a position he has held for over twenty years. As Publisher, he directs all activities of the website and newspaper with over 50,000+ pages of free information on immigration law that receives 250,000 visitors per month. Under Mr. Udani’s direction, ILW has conducted 600+ CLE seminars, published over two dozen immigration law books, and conducted hundreds of immigration events in over a dozen countries.
Mr. Udani also serves on the Board of Directors of USCRI, the largest and oldest non-profit in immigration in the United States. He is based in New York City.
Eric Hardgrave
VC USA
Eric is the co-founder of Acuity Ventures III, L.P., Acuity Ventures II, LLC, and Acuity Ventures, LLC, and he is in process of launching “Second Street Capital” — the majority of investments in the family of Acuity Funds focus on web-based software. He was also a co-founder of Sand Hill Capital, LLC, a venture fund that provided debt facilities to later-stage, emerging growth companies. He has over 25 years of experience in providing debt and related convertible debt financings to high-technology companies in Silicon Valley and across the country. He began his career in commercial banking with Union Bank and later moved on to progressively senior positions with Silicon Valley Bank and the venture capital division of General Bank. Eric received a BA in Economics from Stanford University. At Stanford, he played baseball and received All-American honors, and he went on to play professionally.