Ms. Franco serves on the Board of International Business Development for the DAP Festival in Pietrasanta, a prestigious international event that celebrates the intersection of contemporary dance and visual arts. In this role, she works to expand the festival’s global reach and cultivate strategic international partnerships, contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of the Pietrasanta region.
Ms. Franco began her professional activities in Italy over 16 years ago, providing business development services to international companies. She has served as the Exclusive Representative and Head of International Business Development for esteemed Tuscan producers specializing in Italian food products, including artisanal beer and fine wines. Fluent in Italian and with deep family ties to the country, Ms. Franco is also the Founder and CEO of Essenza D’Italia Ltd., a European company dedicated to promoting and distributing Italian products worldwide.
Ms. Franco established a strategic collaboration with the international law firm Reisman & Co. (Cyprus), focusing on real estate, hospitality, wellness, and corporate structuring. Through this partnership, she has successfully facilitated the entry of three publicly traded international companies into the Italian market, leading to the acquisition of hotel properties and convertible buildings for luxury residential and hospitality use in Rome, Florence, and across Tuscany.
In addition, Ms. Franco represents a leading international magazine dedicated to global urban culture and lifestyle, a prominent tourism guidebook. She spearheads their operations in Italy, focusing on lifestyle and wellness. Notably, she has established a distinctive partnership with the municipalities of Val d’Orcia, Chianciano Terme, and Valdichiana Senese to promote the Region of Tuscany as a premier destination for quality living.
