Speakers
Keynote Speakers
Sebastian Vestergaard
Chief Growth Officer
Denmark
Chief Growth Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Denmark
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Federico Tejado
Master Franchisee
Alsea
Master Franchisee
Crumbl
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
John Papastergiou
Dr. John Papastergiou
Retail Healthcare Innovator & Partner
Shoppers Drug Mart | Accencis Investments
Canada
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/john-papastergiou
Dr. John Papastergiou is an internationally recognized healthcare innovator, retail executive and keynote speaker whose career spans drug retail, health innovation and global brand expansion.
For more than two decades, Dr. Papastergiou has been a largest franchise owner with Shoppers Drug Mart, one of Canada’s leading drug retail organizations. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Healthcare Leaders globally, he has built an international reputation for challenging traditional retail healthcare models and translating innovation into scalable, real-world execution. His career includes extensive international speaking and research across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas.
Beyond drug retail, Dr. Papastergiou is a Partner and Board Member of Accencis Investments, where he is involved in international brand growth and market expansion. The group’s portfolio includes the expansion of %Arabica in Mexico, alongside investments across consumer, hospitality and emerging healthcare concepts. This experience gives him a unique perspective on how global brands enter new markets, build local partnerships and scale without losing the identity that made them successful.
A prominent voice in healthcare innovation, Dr. Papastergiou is also the host of Canada’s #1 healthcare podcast, The Pharmacists Are In, and a sought-after international speaker on the future of healthcare and retail innovation. He has served as a non-executive director on publicly traded company boards and holds academic appointments at leading Canadian universities.
Melissa Gonzalez
Principal at MG2
Founder of MG2 Advisory.
MG2
United States
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Sam Foyle
Co-Head of Global Retail
Savills
United Kingdom
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Sebastian Vestergaard
JOE & THE JUICE
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Sebastian Vestergaard
JOE & THE JUICE
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Melissa Gonzalez
Principal at MG2
Founder of MG2 Advisory
United States
Chief Growth Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Denmark
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Ismael Villalobos de Matías
President and Founder
Spain
Chief Growth Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Denmark
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Alejandro Gonzalez Prado
Vice President
Mexico
Chief Growth Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Denmark
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Melissa Gonzalez
Principal at MG2
Founder of MG2 Advisory.
MG2
United States
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Sam Foyle
Co-Head of Global Retail
Savills
United Kingdom
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Sebastian Vestergaard
JOE & THE JUICE
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Sebastian Vestergaard
JOE & THE JUICE
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Sam Foyle
Co-Head of Global Retail
Savills
United Kingdom
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Daniela Gontijo
Senior Executive and Business Leader
across Latin America.
Brazil
Chief Growth Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Denmark
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Melissa Gonzalez
Principal at MG2
Founder of MG2 Advisory
MG2
United States
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Alejandro Gonzalez Prado
Vice President
Mexico
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Sebastian Vestergaard
Chief Growth Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Denmark
Chief Growth Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Denmark
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Melissa Gonzalez
Principal at MG2
Founder of MG2 Advisory.
MG2
United States
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Sam Foyle
Co-Head of Global Retail
Savills
United Kingdom
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Sebastian Vestergaard
JOE & THE JUICE
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Sebastian Vestergaard
JOE & THE JUICE
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Sebastian Vestergaard
Chief Growth Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Denmark
Chief Growth Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Denmark
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Melissa Gonzalez
Principal at MG2
Founder of MG2 Advisory.
MG2
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Sam Foyle
Co-Head of Global Retail
Savills
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Sebastian Vestergaard
JOE & THE JUICE
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Sebastian Vestergaard
JOE & THE JUICE
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Sebastian Vestergaard
Chief Growth Officer
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Melissa Gonzalez
Principal at MG2
Founder of MG2 Advisory.
Author of: The Purpose Pivot (How dynamic leaders put vulnerability and intuition into action
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Sam Foyle
Co-Head of Global Retail
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Sebastian Vestergaard
JOE & THE JUICE
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Sebastian Vestergaard
JOE & THE JUICE
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Speakers
Sam Foyle
Co-Head of Global Retail
United Kingdom
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Alejandro Gonzalez Prado
Vice President
Mexico
Chief Growth Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Denmark
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
John Papastergiou
Accencis Investments
Partner % Arabica, Canada and Mexico
Retail Healthcare Innovator & Partner
Shoppers Drug Mart | Accencis Investments
Partner % Arabica, Canada and Mexico
Canada
John Papastergiou
Dr. John Papastergiou
Retail Healthcare Innovator & Partner
Shoppers Drug Mart | Accencis Investments
Canada
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/john-papastergiou
Dr. John Papastergiou is an internationally recognized healthcare innovator, retail executive and keynote speaker whose career spans drug retail, health innovation and global brand expansion.
For more than two decades, Dr. Papastergiou has been a largest franchise owner with Shoppers Drug Mart, one of Canada’s leading drug retail organizations. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Healthcare Leaders globally, he has built an international reputation for challenging traditional retail healthcare models and translating innovation into scalable, real-world execution. His career includes extensive international speaking and research across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas.
Beyond drug retail, Dr. Papastergiou is a Partner and Board Member of Accencis Investments, where he is involved in international brand growth and market expansion. The group’s portfolio includes the expansion of %Arabica in Mexico, alongside investments across consumer, hospitality and emerging healthcare concepts. This experience gives him a unique perspective on how global brands enter new markets, build local partnerships and scale without losing the identity that made them successful.
A prominent voice in healthcare innovation, Dr. Papastergiou is also the host of Canada’s #1 healthcare podcast, The Pharmacists Are In, and a sought-after international speaker on the future of healthcare and retail innovation. He has served as a non-executive director on publicly traded company boards and holds academic appointments at leading Canadian universities.
Brandon Gerstner
General Manager, Latin America & Caribbean
United States
Brandon Gerstner
Brandon Gerstner is a leader within the quick-service restaurant industry and currently serves as General Manager for Latin America & Caribbean. Over the last decade, he has played a key role in advancing the region’s growth, helping expand the business within Mexico from fewer than 200 restaurants to more than 400. His experience spans operations, marketing, franchisee partnership, market development, and brand growth, with a focus on building scalable, sustainable businesses. Brandon brings a practical, field-tested perspective on retail expansion, asset management, disciplined execution, and leading growth in complex international markets.
Mark Levis
New Business Development & Franchise Growth
United States
Mark Levis
As an IFA Certified Franchise Executive, Mark has been responsible for identifying new multi-unit, long-term franchisees while being growth driven in the QSR, fast-casual & FSR restaurant industry for more than 30 years in the U.S. & internationally with brands such as Papa John’s International, Captain D’s Seafood, Bojangles & Denny’s.
David Raya
Country Manager
Mexico
David Raya
David Raya es un ejecutivo senior con más de 20 años de experiencia liderando expansión de negocios y gestión financiera en los sectores de fitness, viajes y hospitalidad en México, Brasil, Colombia, Panamá y Costa Rica.
Desde mayo de 2025 es Country Manager para México en Fitness para Todos, operador de Planet Fitness en el país, donde encabeza la estrategia de expansión, financiamiento y comercial de la marca.
Previamente, como CEO de Smart Fit en Colombia, Panamá y Costa Rica, duplicó el número de gimnasios, impulsando los ingresos y el EBITDA, además de lanzar Smart Fit GO y el proyecto Smart Park.
Antes fue CFO de Smart Fit México y ocupó posiciones financieras en Carlson Wagonlit Travel y Pitney Bowes.
Es Ingeniero Industrial y MBA por el IPADE. Habla español, inglés y portugués.
Antonio Bautista
President of International
United States
Antonio Bautista
Antonio Bautista serves as President, International at Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, where he leads the company’s global franchise growth strategy. A seasoned global executive, he brings more than two decades of experience building, scaling, and leading businesses across domestic and international markets, with cross-functional expertise spanning operations, business development, marketing, finance, and design and construction.
Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership roles with premier hospitality and entertainment brands, including Hard Rock International and Fogo de Chão, driving expansion across multiple continents in over 75 countries. Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, he combines commercial discipline with an entrepreneurial mindset and a proven ability to build and grow businesses, teams, and enduring brands.
Glenn Curth
Manager of International Development
United States
Glenn Curth
International Development | Franchise Growth & Global Expansion Leader
Darden
Glenn Curth is a franchise development expert specializing in international growth, multi-unit expansion, and scalable franchise systems within the restaurant and hospitality industries. In his current role in International Development at Darden Franchising, Glenn focuses on driving global growth for the portfolio of full-service restaurant brands under the Darden umbrella.
Glenn’s background spans franchise sales, real estate, and operations, in the US and Europe, where he helped grow different retail and restaurant brands throughout his career. Glenn offers actionable insights on global franchising, including market entry strategy, franchisee recruitment, and building infrastructure for sustainable international growth. He is passionate about helping brands navigate the complexities of expansion while preserving brand integrity and driving long-term value.
Eduardo Pérez Marchant
CEO
Chile
Eduardo Pérez Marchant
Ingeniero Comercial de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. MBA y MPP de la Universidad de Chicago. Antes de Parque Arauco se desempeñó como Asociado en la consultora McKinsey & Company. Anteriormente, trabajó gestionando inversiones en Santander Asset Management. Fue profesor del curso Estrategias de Negociación de la Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Administrativas de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile durante siete años. Se incorporó a Parque Arauco en 2013 como Gerente Corporativo de Finanzas. En 2018 asumió como Gerente General de Parque Arauco Colombia y en 2019 como Gerente General de Parque Arauco Internacional (Perú y Colombia). Es CEO de Parque Arauco desde el año 2022, desde donde ha liderado el importante crecimiento de la empresa en la región.
Sam Rothschild
Chief Strategy and
International Officer
United States
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Sam Rothschild
International Development & Franchise Executive | Slim Chickens
Sam Rothschild is an experienced global franchise and business development executive with a strong background in restaurant growth, international expansion, and strategic partnerships. As a leader with Slim Chickens, Sam focuses on accelerating global development, building franchise relationships, and supporting market entry strategies across key international markets.
With extensive experience working with franchise partners, investors, and operators worldwide, Sam brings a practical approach to scaling restaurant brands while protecting brand standards, operational excellence, and long-term partner success.
Sam’s expertise spans franchise development, market strategy, international licensing, and building high-performing teams to drive sustainable growth.
Patricia Velez
Founder and CEO
Colombia
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Patricia Velez
Patricia Vélez is an attorney graduated from the Pontifical Bolivarian University of Medellín, with additional studies in Business Administration, Commercial Law, and Real Estate. An entrepreneur, wife, and mother of three, she is the Founder and CEO of Ambiente Gourmet® and Ambiente Living®, brands she established in 2005 that now operate more than 70 stores across Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico City, with expansion into the United States underway.
Under her leadership, Patricia has developed an internationally recognized experiential retail model that seamlessly integrates design, gastronomy, entertainment, and digital content. Her achievements have earned her prestigious honors, including the 2023 Global Honor Award, the Global Innovation Award (GIA), and Endeavor Colombia’s Women Who Impact Award. She is also a leading lifestyle influencer, with a community of more than one million followers across social media and millions of views on her digital content.
Mario Centola
EVP & COO of International Operations and Worldwide Franchising
United States
Mario Centola
Mario Centola is Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of International Operations and Chuck E. Cheese Worldwide Franchise Development. Mario is responsible for leading operational effectiveness, strategy, and growth of the brand’s international locations and expansion into new and existing markets.
Mario has more than 25 years of experience in out-of-home entertainment, theme parks, and international development. Over the course of his career, he has worked with several regional theme park operators. Before joining CEC Entertainment, Mario served as Senior Vice President of In Park Services at Six Flags Entertainment. In that role, he led capital planning, engineering, maintenance, international operations, and commercial functions, including sales and corporate partnerships. In addition to his operational expertise, Mario has a strong financial background. During his time at Six Flags, he served as Chief Accounting Officer and as Vice President of Financial Planning and Strategy.
Mario Centola
Mario Centola is Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of International Operations and Chuck E. Cheese Worldwide Franchise Development. Mario is responsible for leading operational effectiveness, strategy, and growth of the brand’s international locations and expansion into new and existing markets.
Mario has more than 25 years of experience in out-of-home entertainment, theme parks, and international development. Over the course of his career, he has worked with several regional theme park operators. Before joining CEC Entertainment, Mario served as Senior Vice President of In Park Services at Six Flags Entertainment. In that role, he led capital planning, engineering, maintenance, international operations, and commercial functions, including sales and corporate partnerships. In addition to his operational expertise, Mario has a strong financial background. During his time at Six Flags, he served as Chief Accounting Officer and as Vice President of Financial Planning and Strategy.
Mario Centola
Mario Centola is Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of International Operations and Chuck E. Cheese Worldwide Franchise Development. Mario is responsible for leading operational effectiveness, strategy, and growth of the brand’s international locations and expansion into new and existing markets.
Mario has more than 25 years of experience in out-of-home entertainment, theme parks, and international development. Over the course of his career, he has worked with several regional theme park operators. Before joining CEC Entertainment, Mario served as Senior Vice President of In Park Services at Six Flags Entertainment. In that role, he led capital planning, engineering, maintenance, international operations, and commercial functions, including sales and corporate partnerships. In addition to his operational expertise, Mario has a strong financial background. During his time at Six Flags, he served as Chief Accounting Officer and as Vice President of Financial Planning and Strategy.
Paola Huitron
Managing Director:
Retail Portfolio Services
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Isidoro Zaga
Master Franchisee Mexico
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
Isidoro Zaga
Master Franchisee Mexico
Chief Growth Officer Chief Development Officer
JOE & THE JUICE
