Fiona François (Chair)

Fiona François (Chairman) is Chief Financial Officer at Communify Fincentric, a leading platform combining market and client data to deliver exceptional digital experiences for the financial industry. She also serves as Operating Partner at Just Build It (JBI), a company dedicated to designing, building, and renovating businesses to be best in class with a focus on marketing and innovation in the financial sector.

Born in York, Fiona studied Economics, Politics, and Sociology at the University of Northumbria at Newcastle upon Tyne, where she graduated with honors before joining Her Majesty’s service. In 2009, she was appointed HM Consul and Director for the Western Region of UK Trade & Investment’s US Network, based at the British Consulate-General in Los Angeles.

In addition to her role as Chairman of the British American Business Council (BABC), Fiona is a Member of the Board of BritWeek and the charity Cinemagic. Through BritWeek, she has supported organizations such as LA’s BEST, Malaria No More, Save The Children, and Virgin Unite. Fiona created the first-ever UKTI/BritWeek Business Innovation Awards in 2010, recognizing achievements in innovation by businesses with joint operations in the UK and California.

Her contributions have been widely recognized, including being a top 5 finalist for the L.A. Business Journal’s “Women Making a Difference” Awards in 2013. Fiona continues to be a dynamic leader in fostering transatlantic business relationships and innovation in the financial technology sector.