100 Influential Women In Franchising: 2020 List Announced

This is an annual list that celebrates and champions key figureheads, disruptors, and up-and-comers who work in the international franchise space

There is no ranking or competitive element involved: this is purely a list of powerhouse females who have done something to change the industry for the better, led their organisations successfully, or smashed any misconceptions.

95 per cent of CEOs in the Fortune 500 are men. 16 per cent of CEOs in the franchise industry are female. While it still may have a way to go, the franchise industry is widely recognised for its inclusive culture. The 100 Influential Women In Franchising list will inspire the next generation of female entrepreneurs to invest in their own franchise businesses, empowered by the female titans of the industry profiled in the feature.

METHODOLOGY
Compiled and curated by our in-house team of franchise journalists to a rigid selection criteria, the list profiles the powerhouse female franchisors, franchisees, master franchisees, and suppliers that have innovated, inspired and disrupted the franchise industry over the last year. Main criteria include how the person has positively impacted their organisation, network, or peer group over the past year, the health and direction of their business, the cultural influence they yield, and the trajectory of their career.

1. Food & Beverage

When it comes to household-name brands in the franchise arena, the food and beverage companies dominate. Here are the ladies leading the most notable fast-food, QSR, bar, and food-related franchise organisations on the planet.

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2. Fitness, Health & Beauty

In the fitness, health and beauty spaces, women occupy many leadership roles in the world’s most recognised organisations, with a huge proportion of concepts being founded by females.

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3. Education & Children’s

These individuals are top of the class when it comes to providing children with fun and informative learning opportunities.

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4. Services & Care

The services and care category includes individuals who care for and maintain the things that are important to us, whether that’s family, our homes, or our treasured possessions.

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5. Breaking the Glass Ceiling

Although these women have climbed the proverbial ladder under the paradigm of a male-dominated world, they have now wiped the slate clean and started over by setting new rules based on the needs and preferences of both genders. Here are 10 powerhouse women who have been promoted or started a high-rank position over the last year.

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6. Educators & Inspirers

From advocating for ethical franchising to sharing expertise on sustainable growth, these are the people to turn to for advice.

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7. Ones to Watch

Millennials are highly educated and tech-savvy, and will soon dominate the franchise sector. Meet the next generation of female trailblazers already making their mark on the industry.

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8. Support & Mentorship

These women are not just at the top of their game but strive to make sure they can enable and empower as many to build a successful career within franchising, especially in these unprecedented times of COVID-19.

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9. Rockstar Franchisees

Females who take centre stage due to supreme performances in their respective businesses during a period of unprecedented change.

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10. Suppliers

Successful franchising requires a lot more than just franchisors and franchisees. These are the experts working behind-the-scenes, handling marketing, consulting, and everything else that helps brands to grow.

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