Gelatissimo has added the role of franchise development manager to its management team, and it’s appointed Fred Pose to fulfill the new position. 

Pose was originally employed as Gelatissimo’s acting franchise development manager, so it made sense that the company appoint him to the position after deciding to make it a permanent one.

Pose has worked as an Oporto crew member, store manager and multi-unit franchisee.

He sold his businesses in 2009 only to return as the burger chain’s head of franchising, where he was responsible for the development of a new franchise recruitment system.

“I love the brand, I love the system and, as a passionate foodie, of course I love the gelato,” Pose said.

“Also, I can see the long-term potential of Gelatissimo. The existing management has already done a great job of profiling the type of person best suited for a Gelatissimo franchise but developing a recruitment system that can keep pace with our rapid growth is an exciting personal challenge for me.”

Gelatissimo’s acting CEO, Filipe Barbosa is confident Pose will continue to succesfully grow the brand through the recruitment of suitable franchisees.

“We are so thrilled to have Fred on the Gelatissimo team. Our brand is so strong that attracting interest in Gelatissimo franchises has never been a problem, but Fred’s strategic and operational skills will ensure that we identify the best possible franchisees every time, so we can maintain our reputation for excellence, no matter how much we expand.”

He told Franchising that Pose will be responsible for growing the brand’s network and fostering structures for multi-site ownership.

“Gelatissimo believes that it is important to have a person dedicated to growing the brand and developing a relationship with potential franchisees that lasts from the beginning of the recruitment process through to the store opening.

“This continuity adds stability to the communication chain,” Barbosa adds.

The newly created position operates in line with the expansion goals Gelatissimo has set itself for the coming years.   

“We plan to grow the brand by around 50 percent over the next three years. The focus will be on widening our geographical reach and taking Gelatissimo to regional areas that have proven successful for us,” says Barbosa.

He adds the business is faring ware well despite challenges within the sector. “The last 12 months have been good for us, with five new stores added to the group.

“Overall we are tracking well and are pleased that Gelatissimo has been able to maintain modest store sales growth in tough economic conditions.”