Who We Are

Francis Communications was founded in 2002 by Barry Francis, a leading Canadian public relations and communications executive to provide senior-level communications consulting services to public and private sector clients. As a boutique communications and public relations consultancy we take a holistic approach to communications and image building. We provide business perspective, strategic thinking and first-rate service and value - supported by a network of specialized and creative resources.

PROFILE

BARRY FRANCIS
Principal, Francis Communications

Barry Francis is a senior communications executive with extensive experience in media, public and shareholder relations, strategic communications planning, issues and crisis management, corporate communications and marketing.

Barry began his consulting career in 1993 with Argyle Rowland Communications as a member of the firm's senior management team. He was subsequently appointed Executive Vice-President and a Partner with the firm. In mid-2002, following the firm's acquisition by Environics Communications, Barry formed Francis Communications, a boutique communications consultancy, while maintaining senior associate status with Argyle Rowland.

Over the years, Barry has provided account direction and senior communications counsel to a diverse group of clients including Investors Group, Transamerica Life Canada, AEGON Capital Management, Brandes Investment Partners, Zurich Canada, Ontario Blue Cross, Morningstar, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Accenture, MediSolution Ltd., Burntsand Inc., the Canadian Liver Foundation and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA).

A keen student of the media, Barry has developed customized media skills training programs for executives from across Canada and the United States and provided senior counsel to a range of clients on sensitive crisis management issues.

Prior to entering consulting, Barry headed the communications, public relations and investor relations functions for Crownx Inc., a financial services, healthcare and technology group. As AVP, Corporate Communications for Crown Life, his responsibilities included public relations, investor relations, marketing support, advertising and corporate sponsorships.

An accomplished writer, Barry has been published in a range of Canadian periodicals and trade journals. He recently authored a Media Relations Handbook for the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE).

Barry has served as a member of the Boards of the Association of Canadian Advertisers (ACA), the Canadian Liver Foundation, Canada's Fitweek and Hope Air, as well as on numerous committees of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association.