About Francis Barassi

Francis Barassi was born in Tucson, Arizona, on January 11, 1967. He spent his formative years in the vibrant and diverse atmosphere of Tucson, which played a crucial role in shaping his curiosity and interest in various cultures and global perspectives. From a young age, he exhibited a keen interest in technology and business, passions that would later define his illustrious career. Tucson's multicultural environment provided him with a broad worldview, which became a cornerstone of his professional journey.

Scholarly Pursuits

Francis earned a Bachelor of Science from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, where his education focused on international relations. This academic foundation gave him a robust understanding of global dynamics and equipped him with the analytical skills needed to navigate complex international issues. His time at Georgetown was marked by intellectual rigor and exposure to a myriad of perspectives, further fueling his passion for global affairs and business. His dedication to his studies and his active engagement with the university community were evident throughout his academic career.

Barassi later pursued an MBA in International Management from Thunderbird (American Graduate School of International Management), graduating with distinction. This advanced degree provided him with the necessary skills to excel in the world of international business. At Thunderbird, he honed his strategic thinking and leadership abilities, preparing him for the multifaceted challenges of the global market. The rigorous curriculum and the diverse student body at Thunderbird enriched his understanding of international management practices and the intricacies of cross-cultural business operations.

A Passion for International Affairs

Throughout his career, Francis has spent many years working across three continents: South America, Europe, and North America. His extensive international experience has endowed him with a unique perspective on global business operations and cultural differences. In addition to speaking English, he has learned Spanish and Portuguese, enhancing his ability to communicate effectively with diverse teams and clients across various regions. His fluency in these languages has been instrumental in fostering strong business relationships and facilitating seamless operations. His linguistic skills have been a critical asset in his capacity to build trust and rapport with stakeholders worldwide.

The Dawn of His Career

Francis Barassi began his professional journey at Xerox Corporation in 1995, where he held several key roles. He started as the Program Launch Manager for Latin America, based in Mexico City. In this capacity, he successfully launched the Xerox Expense Management System (XEMS) across major Latin American countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela. His efforts resulted in significant market penetration and revenue growth for Xerox. His ability to navigate the complexities of launching a new product in multiple countries highlighted his strategic insight and operational expertise.

Francis then advanced to become the Division Manager/Key Account Manager for Xerox Business Services in Chile, managing significant accounts and achieving substantial revenue growth. He played a pivotal role in developing and negotiating strategic outsourcing contracts, including a landmark deal with Telefonica that doubled Xerox's revenue from the account. His success continued as the Division Manager of Document Solutions for Xerox Latin South, where he managed key accounts and increased outsourcing revenue by 260% over three years. His innovative approach positioned Xerox as the leading outsourcing services provider in the region.

SchlumbergerSema

In 2000, Barassi joined SchlumbergerSema as the Director of New Sales for Latin America. In this role, he managed a regional sales team and secured significant contracts with telecom providers, significantly contributing to the company's revenue and market presence in the region. His leadership and ability to drive sales growth in a competitive market were evident in his achievements at SchlumbergerSema. His strategic vision and execution of complex sales initiatives played a vital role in his success in this role.

The Career Sweet Spot

In 2003, Francis joined Convergys Corporation as the Director for LATAM North. He managed the sales team and established regional headquarters in Northern Latin America. His efforts led to significant sales and the profitable build-out of the regional headquarters. His ability to set up and grow new business units was demonstrated through his success at Convergys. His leadership in establishing the regional headquarters was instrumental in driving the company's expansion in Latin America.

Barassi then moved to Edocs, Inc., in December 2003, where he served as the Director of Latin American Sales and Operations. He successfully opened the Latin American market for Edocs, generating a solid pipeline of prospects and closing significant contracts within the first year. His success in this role showcased his ability to drive growth in new markets. His strategic approach to market entry and his ability to build strong client relationships were critical to his achievements at Edocs.

Oracle Corporation

In 2005, Francis Barassi joined Oracle Corporation, initially as the Regional Director for LACA—Self-Service. He managed the integration of Docs self-service products into the Sievel sales organization, achieving significant sales growth. He then served as the Applications Sales Director, Communications Global Business Unit, where he achieved record sales and managed the most significant single license sale in CGBU history. From 2011 to 2017, he held various vice president roles at Oracle. He founded TOA Technologies' Latin America business, leading to substantial revenue growth. After Oracle acquired TOA Technologies, he managed Oracle's field service business for Latin America and the Caribbean, achieving significant growth in ACV bookings and expanding into new verticals.

ClickSoftware

In 2017, Barassi became the Vice President for Southern Europe at ClickSoftware. He played a crucial role in reorganizing Click's sales and account management organization in Southern Europe, achieving notable successes, including signing new logos and managing key accounts. His ability to lead organizational change and drive sales growth was evident in his achievements at ClickSoftware. His strategic leadership and focus on customer success were critical factors in his success in this role.

The Latest Chapters

In 2020, Francis joined OverIT USA, Inc. as the Vice President for North America. He was pivotal in expanding OverIT's presence in North America by recruiting and onboarding a seasoned sales team and closing significant deals within the first few months. His ability to build and lead high-performing teams was demonstrated through his success at OverIT. His strategic vision and execution were crucial in driving the company's growth in North America.

In 2021, Francis became the Vice President for North America Energy, Utilities & Resources at IFS North America. He successfully integrated the Clevest sales team into IFS and achieved impressive annual growth, securing strategic wins at significant utility companies. His ability to drive growth in complex and competitive markets was evident in his achievements at IFS. His leadership and focus on customer success were essential to his success in this role.

Currently, Barassi is the Vice President of Enterprise Software North America at Hitachi Energy. In this role, he continues to leverage his extensive experience in enterprise software and energy solutions to drive growth and innovation. His leadership and strategic vision are instrumental in advancing Hitachi Energy's market position in North America. His ability to lead teams and drive business growth continues to be a defining feature of his career.

Life Outside the Office

Francis Barassi resides in Key Biscayne, FL, with his spouse, Clara Romero. He enjoys a fulfilling personal life while balancing his professional commitments. His ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance is a testament to his organizational skills and dedication to his family. His commitment to continuous learning and passion for global affairs enrich his personal and professional lives. His balanced approach to life allows him to excel in his career while enjoying crucial moments with his loved ones.