Joe DeFrancisci has a 20+-year track record of successfully leading companies through start-up and growth, improving operations and building value. Prior to joining General Automotive to guide its development into a leading provider of aftermarket products to the Tier 1 automotive sector, Mr. DeFrancisci was Senior Vice President of Worldwide Operations for Grindmaster Corporation, a global leader in the beverage dispensing equipment industry with marketing operations in more than 90 different countries. Prior to that, he served as Senior Partner with the Highwood Group LLP, a consulting firm focused on competitive strategy and operational effectiveness. From 1996 - 2000, Mr. DeFrancisi was President and Chief Operating Officer of Pasta Montana LLC, a start-up food company heralded as one of the fastest growing and best-managed food companies of its time.
Mr. DeFrancisci's early career is highlighted by his 15-year tenure with Demaco/Howden Group, a leading manufacturer of highly engineered capital equipment, during which he earned rapid promotions to Vice President-level management roles in sales, marketing and operations. He earned a BS in Industrial Technology Education from the State University of New York and is an alumnus of the Advanced Executive Program of the Kellogg Graduate School of Management - Northwestern University. In addition to belonging to various professional and alumni organizations, he serves on the Advisory Board of Univedant Corporation, a Chicago-based advanced engineering firm.