The EGS US-based Senior Team
Our GlobalTeam™ members are located on the ground in 32 countries. Among our GlobalTeam™ members are experts in licensing, distribution, market research, technology, manufacturing, government relations, legal and other keys areas for international franchise development success.
These are highly experienced, successful people that EGS has developed a close working relationship with and whom EGS trusts to help and represent our Clients.
EGS also has a special relationship with the U.S. Commercial Service around the world that allows our Clients access to cost-effective, shared marketing services.
Our U.S.-based Principals have over 140 years of experience in over 68 countries, across many business sectors and cultures, as operating executives.
William Edwards, CFE, CEO
As a Senior Executive with 46 years of international operations, development, executive & entrepreneurial experience, Edwards has lived in China, the Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Turkey, and the USA. He has worked on projects in 68 countries. He has been a master franchisee of a US brand in 5 countries, a franchisor executive & an international consultant to more than 40 U.S. companies. “To his many Clients who are going global, Bill ‘oversees overseas’ ”, Franchise Times. EGS, founded in 2001, has assisted more than 30 US franchisors in the educational, retail, restaurant, and service sectors in their international development in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, North America, and the Middle East. EGS has twice received the U.S. Presidential Award for Export Excellence. Previously, Mr. Edwards had a 20-year oil and gas exploration sector career in Alaska, China, Indonesia, and Turkey.
William Gabbard, CFE, President and Member of The Executive Committee (1957 – 2022)
It is with great sadness and grief that we share the news of the sudden passing of William “Bill” Gabbard. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, November 2nd.
Bill considered everyone he met a friend. His warm and engaging personality made those he interacted with feel important regardless of who they were. Bill was always willing to support those friends both in his professional and personal life. There is an emptiness in our hearts as we mourn his passing.
Bill was a member of the franchise community for more than 35 years. He was the founder of ProFusion Systems, where he grew a successful small business into a global company with 240+ franchisees in 38 countries. He joined Edwards Global Services in 2007 and served as its President since 2018.
Bill’s impact on the franchise community was immeasurable, but he was most proud of his wife Sandy, his daughter Aubree, and his son Doug. He was a tremendous leader, innovator, and entrepreneur as well as a loving husband and dedicated father. He will be sorely missed by all.
Read William Gabbard Obituary.
Michelle McClurg, CFE, Chief Operating Officer and Member of the Executive Committee
Michelle McClurg has more than 40 years of corporate and project management experience with several Fortune 100 companies. She managed center operations, a new initiative and process improvement for the customer care centers nationally. Michelle was engaged to resolve a breach of contract and direct the global projects in more than 31 countries exceeding contractual performance metrics. She supported both an existing and startup franchise system before joining EGS. Currently, Michelle is responsible for the daily administrative and operational functions of the company.
Specialty: Operations and Logistics
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Read more about Michelle McClurg.
Robert Jones, Chief International Officer
Robert Jones facilitated the expansion of U.S. companies into global markets for almost 22 years as a Commercial Officer with the U.S. Senior Foreign Service, living and working throughout the Americas and in Europe. He joined EGS in 2016 and is the company’s Chief International Officer In the role he is assisting our brands by generating leads and the company’s in-country Associates covering 43 countries using his knowledge and connections worldwide.
Shanna Aldridge, CFE, Client Director
Shanna joined EGS in 2014 after working in the corporate world for 15 years. She started as the Director of International Events and Development and quickly moved into a Client Director role where she works with the EGS clients directly managing their marketing and lead stream.
James Liu, EGS Managing Director for Greater China
James Liu has 15+ years of experience in the franchising sector and is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of FranChina Holdings LLC. James works for EGS as our in-country Managing Director to bring US brands into China through Franchising. In addition to his work with EGS, James is also one of the best Franchise Lawyers in China.