Steve Caldeira, president and CEO of the International Franchise Association, said Wednesday that he is stepping down, effective immediately, after a dispute over terms for renewing his IFA contract.
The IFA’s Board of Directors convened a search committee to identify a replacement for Caldeira, who has been at the helm of the association since 2010. Robert Cresanti, IFA executive vice president of government relations and public policy, has been named interim chief operating officer.
“It has been a real honor and privilege to represent franchising, which is the true essence of entrepreneurship in America,” Caldeira said in a statement. “While I appreciate the opportunity to have worked with so many respected business leaders and the extremely talented staff at the IFA, the time has come for me to move on.”
Under Caldeira’s oversight, the IFA’s revenue grew by more than 70 percent, IFA Chair Melanie Bergeron said.
“Steve gives everything he does 110 percent and we are very grateful for his passion, dedication and wisdom as we have been navigating through the most challenging legislative and regulatory environment in our industry’s history,” she added.
Recently, the IFA has challenged a number of perceived threats to franchising, including the National Labor Relations Board’s ruling on the joint-employer standard and the adoption of a $15 minimum wage in Seattle.
Prior to Caldeira’s tenure at the IFA, he served as an executive vice president at Dunkin’ Brands.
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