Francis Barassi

Francis Sedgwick Barassi was born in Tucson, Arizona, on January 11, 1967. Growing up in the culturally rich and diverse environment of Tucson, he developed a profound curiosity and appreciation for various cultures and global perspectives. These early experiences in Tucson played a crucial role in shaping his interests and worldview. From a young age, he exhibited an intense fascination with technology and business, interests that would later become the foundation of his successful and dynamic career. Francis pursued his higher education with a focus on international relations, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. His studies provided him with a deep understanding of global dynamics, preparing him for a career that would span multiple continents and involve complex international business dealings. Recognizing the importance of advanced education, he furthered his expertise by obtaining an MBA in International Management from Thunderbird, also known as the American Graduate School of International Management, where he graduated with distinction. This advanced degree equipped him with the necessary skills to navigate the intricate world of international business. Throughout his distinguished career, Barassi has demonstrated a passion for international affairs and business development. He has worked extensively across three continents: South America, Europe, and North America. His linguistic abilities, including fluency in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, have allowed him to communicate effectively with diverse teams and clients, fostering strong business relationships and ensuring smooth operations. His ability to speak multiple languages has been instrumental in his success, enabling him to bridge cultural gaps and drive business growth in various regions. Francis Barassi's professional journey began at Xerox Corporation in 1995, where he took on several significant roles. Starting as the Program Launch Manager for Latin America, based in Mexico City, he played a pivotal role in launching the Xerox Expense Management System (XEMS) across major Latin American countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela. His strategic efforts resulted in substantial market penetration and revenue growth for Xerox. He then advanced to the position of Division Manager/Key Account Manager for Xerox Business Services in Chile, where he managed key accounts and achieved impressive revenue growth through strategic outsourcing contracts, including a landmark deal with Telefonica. As the Division Manager of Document Solutions for Xerox Latin South, Barassi continued to demonstrate his innovative approach and leadership capabilities. Over three years, he managed key accounts and significantly increased outsourcing revenue by 260%, positioning Xerox as the leading outsourcing services provider in the region. His success in these roles underscored his ability to drive business growth and establish strong client relationships, further solidifying his reputation as a strategic and effective leader. In 2000, Francis 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 regional market presence. His strategic sales initiatives and ability to navigate complex market dynamics played a crucial role in the company's success, highlighting his expertise in international business and his dedication to achieving excellence in every role he undertakes.