BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BanyanGlobal Family Business Advisors partner Ben Francois has been named the second managing partner in the firm’s twelve-year history. Francois succeeds Rob Lachenauer, who co-founded the company and served as the Banyan’s leader from its inception.
Lachenauer helped build Banyan into the world’s preeminent family business advisory firm. The firm is widely recognized for its expertise in working with family ownership groups on critical issues such as generational succession and transition planning, family office purpose and governance, and helping owners understand their rights and roles in the family enterprise. An essential and enduring characteristic of Rob’s tenure was his relentless twin focus to build a highly talented team and a deeply collaborative firm culture to best serve the often emotional and complex family and ownership dynamics inherent in family-owned businesses.
Under Rob’s leadership, Banyan was recognized three times by the prestigious STEP Private Client Awards as “Family Business Advisory Practice of the Year.” Author of multiple books and articles, Lachenauer is co-author (with Josh Baron) of the Harvard Business Review Family Business Handbook, now considered the authoritative guide to help owners build and maintain a thriving family enterprise. Since its founding, the Banyan team has grown to serve more than 250 leading family-owned business in virtually every industry sector across six continents. Lachenauer will continue to serve Banyan clients full time and remain an active member of the firm’s leadership.
Francois assumes the role of managing partner after having been with Banyan six years. Prior to joining the firm, he was a partner at Carmelina Capital, a private equity firm focused on investing in family-owned and founder-led businesses and was President of Canterbury Consulting, a multi-billion investment advisory firm serving families, foundations, and endowments. He began his career as an investment professional for a large single-family office.
Francois speaks frequently on family business topics such as family business and family office governance, next generation development, and succession planning. Additionally, he has written articles for publications such as Harvard Business Review and FFI Practitioner. He received his undergraduate degree from University of Southern California and his M.B.A. from University of Pennsylvania. He currently resides in Newport Beach, California and will manage the firm from both California and Boston.
“Our job, collectively as a firm, is to empower owners to unleash the infinite potential of their families, enterprises, and communities by helping them align on the complex decisions they face. Banyan’s continued success depends on our ability to develop extraordinary talent and create an environment where that talent can thrive. It is a privilege that the firm has entrusted me to be the next steward of Banyan’s unique culture,” said Francois.
About BanyanGlobal Family Business Advisors
Since its founding in 2012, BanyanGlobal Family Business Advisors has guided more than 250 family business ownership groups in every industry sector across the globe. We bring the depth and breadth of experience that helps owners identify the essential issues facing them so they can make the smartest decisions for their families, businesses, and communities. To learn more, visit our website: https://banyan.global/
