HERNDON, Va. — November 3, 2025 — FranConnect, a provider of AI-powered sales, operations, and marketing solutions for franchise and multi-location businesses, announced several executive appointments designed to accelerate AI innovation, product commercialization, operational scale, and customer value.
Charlie Zhang was named Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Mark Calvillo was appointed Chief Product Officer, and Jaffrey Ali moved into the newly created role of Chief AI Officer.
FranConnect said the leadership changes reflected the growing importance of AI, automation, data-driven operations, and faster product innovation across franchise and multi-location businesses.
“We’re seeing a fundamental shift in how franchise and multi-location businesses operate,” said Gabby Wong, CEO of FranConnect. “Our customers are demanding smarter, faster, and more scalable solutions, and we’re building the team to deliver just that.”
A New Era of AI Leadership
Jaffrey Ali’s transition to Chief AI Officer formalized his role in shaping FranConnect’s AI strategy. His work included development of Frannie AI™, FranConnect GO, Candidate Coach, and advanced analytics capabilities.
FranConnect described AI as a strategic operating layer for helping brands make faster decisions, automate work, improve unit performance, and uncover new growth opportunities.
Product Innovation and Commercialization
Mark Calvillo joined FranConnect as Chief Product Officer with more than 25 years of franchising and restaurant-industry experience. He previously worked at Restaurant365, where he helped lead the business through rapid growth, funding rounds, and multiple acquisitions.
At FranConnect, Calvillo was tasked with leading product innovation and commercialization across product lines and global markets.
Scaling Finance and Operations
Charlie Zhang joined as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. His background included investment banking at Citigroup, private-equity investing at Warburg Pincus, and serving as CFO of ION Analytics.
Zhang was charged with leading global finance and operations as FranConnect continued to scale.
An Expanded Leadership Team
The appointments followed the addition of Adam Walton as Chief Customer Officer and brought together leadership across AI, product, finance, operations, and customer experience.
“As we continue our march towards serving 2,000 brands globally, FranConnect will continue to invest in transformation across all areas of our business,” said Wong. “Technology businesses are changing rapidly. FranConnect will always strive to be on the cutting-edge to serve the needs of our customers and to lead the market. Transformation is in our DNA.”
