Francis Barassi was born in Tucson, Arizona, on January 11, 1967. Growing up in the vibrant and culturally rich environment of Tucson, he developed a profound curiosity about the world and its diverse cultures. His early fascination with technology and business set the stage for a career defined by innovation and strategic thinking. The eclectic atmosphere of his hometown played a pivotal role in shaping his global perspective and fueling his ambition to understand and connect with people from various backgrounds.
Scholarly Pursuits
Francis's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, where he focused on international relations. This education provided him with a robust understanding of global dynamics and the skills to navigate complex international issues. His pursuit of knowledge didn't stop there; he later earned an MBA in International Management from Thunderbird (American Graduate School of International Management), graduating with distinction. This advanced degree honed his expertise in international business, equipping him with the strategic and operational skills necessary for a successful career in a globalized economy.
A Passion for International Affairs
Barassi's career is marked by extensive international experience, having worked across three continents: South America, Europe, and North America. His linguistic abilities, including fluency in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, have been critical in fostering effective communication and building strong relationships with diverse teams and clients. These skills have enabled him to navigate different cultural landscapes and business environments seamlessly, significantly contributing to his success in the international business arena. His passion for understanding and engaging with different cultures has been a cornerstone of his professional achievements.
The Dawn of His Career
Francis's professional journey began at Xerox Corporation in 1995, where he started as the Program Launch Manager for Latin America, based in Mexico City. He successfully launched the Xerox Expense Management System (XEMS) across major Latin American countries, achieving notable market penetration and revenue growth. As Division Manager/Key Account Manager for Xerox Business Services in Chile, he managed significant accounts and played a crucial role in developing strategic outsourcing contracts, including a landmark deal with Telefonica that doubled Xerox's revenue from the account. His innovative strategies and leadership were instrumental in establishing Xerox as a leading outsourcing services provider in the region.
SchlumbergerSema
In 2000, Francis Barassi joined SchlumbergerSema as the Director of New Sales for Latin America. He led a regional sales team and secured significant contracts with telecom providers, significantly enhancing the company's revenue and market presence in the region. His strategic vision and ability to drive sales growth were evident as he navigated the competitive telecommunications market. His tenure at SchlumbergerSema marked a period of substantial professional development and achievement, laying the groundwork for his subsequent roles in the technology and business sectors.
The Career Sweet Spot
Francis's career trajectory took a significant leap in 2003 when he joined Convergys Corporation as the Director for LATAM North. He was instrumental in setting up regional headquarters in Northern Latin America, achieving significant sales and a profitable build-out of the regional operations. His success continued at Edocs, Inc., where he opened the Latin American market, generating a robust pipeline of prospects and closing substantial contracts within the first year. This role highlighted his ability to drive growth in new markets and his knack for building successful sales strategies.
At Oracle Corporation, Francis initially managed the integration of Edocs self-service products into the Siebel sales organization, achieving significant sales growth. As Applications Sales Director, Communications Global Business Unit, he managed the most significant single license sale in CGBU history. From 2011 to 2017, he held various vice president roles, including founding TOA Technologies' Latin America business and leading to significant revenue growth. After Oracle acquired TOA Technologies, he managed Oracle's field service business for Latin America and the Caribbean, achieving substantial 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 such as signing new logos and managing key accounts. His leadership and strategic insights significantly contributed to the company's growth and market presence in the region. His ability to drive business transformation and implement effective sales strategies was once again evident 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 strategic vision and leadership played a critical role in establishing OverIT as a formidable player in the North American market.
In 2021, Francis took on the role of Vice President for North American Energy, Utilities, and Resources at IFS North America. He successfully integrated the Clevest sales team into IFS and achieved impressive annual growth. His efforts secured strategic wins at significant utility companies, further establishing IFS's presence in the market. Currently, he is the Vice President of Enterprise Software North America at Hitachi Energy, where he continues to leverage his extensive experience in enterprise software and energy solutions to drive growth and innovation.
Life Outside the Office
Francis Barassi resides in Key Biscayne, FL, with his spouse, Clara Romero. Despite his demanding career, he enjoys a fulfilling personal life, balancing his professional commitments with quality time spent with his family. His interests and hobbies provide a well-rounded complement to his professional achievements, making him a dynamic and multifaceted individual. His journey reflects a deep commitment to personal and professional growth, driven by a passion for excellence and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the world.