Mr. Franceschi has over 20 years of senior management experience leading both private and public companies spanning engineering services, engineered products, environmental services, commercial testing labs, and consulting services. Major industries served include electric power utilities, oil and gas, semiconductor capital equipment and integrated device manufacturing, photovoltaics, biomedical devices, aerospace, and defense contractors. Mr. Franceschi has extensive experience in strategic planning, PandL management, financial planning, sales and marketing, mergers and acquisitions, change management, process improvement, team building, project management, root cause analysis, ISO and nuclear quality programs, regulatory compliance, and engineering analysis.
Process ImprovementImplemented a company-wide process improvement initiative for a leading analytical testing services business. Cross functional teams were formed to define process maps and eliminate non-value added activities. A web-enabled information management system was designed and built to support the streamlined functions and compliance to the organization’s ISO9000-2000 certification. This effort resulted in improved productivity, enhanced ISO program compliance, and enabled the organization to successfully integrate twelve acquisitions on three continents in a period of 36 months.
Leveraging project management experience and training, applied process improvement and performance optimization techniques in designing and implementing project management training and certification programs for two major engineering and environmental services organizations with measureable improvement in PM accountability, as well as budget, schedule, and quality performance.
Electric Utilities Director of a full-scale high voltage testing laboratory supporting the electric utility industry. Testing activities included design, performance, and aging related tests for transmission lines, insulators, and manhole covers, as well as simulation of lightning and corona effects on equipment.
Provided senior project management leadership on the implementation of a fossil plant maintenance and reliability optimization program for eight coal fired generating stations for a major U.S. utility. Project scope included assessment of plant maintenance programs and work flow management effectiveness, implementation of industry best practices, identification of performance metrics, and change management coaching.
Appointed senior executive of a leading supplier of nuclear spent fuel storage systems and tasked with resolving NRC concerns regarding manufacturing quality control and compliance to license basis requirements. Initiated and championed a comprehensive root cause investigation and upgrade of the company’s quality program with particular emphasis on root cause, corrective action, and continuous improvement processes, as well as implementing a major training and quality culture change for the organization. Acted as the primary interface with regulators and major utility customers, presenting information and responding to inquiries in both public and closed door forums.
Performed engineering analysis of major mechanical and electrical systems for over 15 nuclear power utilities. Experience includes finite element analysis to determine stresses induced by seismic and thermodynamic loads on nuclear plant piping and piping support systems. Performed engineering analysis and testing programs for environmental qualification of electrical equipment in response to NRC IE Bulletin 79-01B and seismic equipment qualification via analysis, testing, and use of earthquake experience data per Seismic Qualification Utility Group (SQUG) procedures.
Mergers and AcquisitionsLed or actively participated in 20 MandA transactions totaling over $450 million. Experience includes all aspects of MandA strategy and transactions including marketing, target identification, valuation, financing, due diligence, contract negotiation, and subsequent operational transition and systems integration. He was also a key contributor and participated in all aspects of a successful IPO, taking a private company (originally acquired by Mr. Franceschi and his partners) public on the LSE/AIM exchange in the UK.
Environmental ServicesLed environmental engineering and consulting organizations with general management responsibility for all aspects of the operation including business development, project management, environmental compliance, engineering, risk assessment, testing, monitoring, remediation, site restoration, and quality control. While serving a broad range of industries and issues, the most significant projects in number and size involved Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) site remediation, MTBE contaminated groundwater, and full life-cycle landfill project support from permitting to closure including LF methane gas power generation.