Edgar Francis
Chief Executive Officer
As a teenager who spoke only a few words of English, Edgar emigrated by himself to the U.S. to study marketing. After picking up a new set of skills and a new language he created ERF Marketing in January 2000, aiming to combine his passion for technology with a personal touch.
Starting with little more than a computer and a vision, Edgar helped build ERF into a global marketing leader with a client roster that includes many of the world¹s best-known brands. As an irrepressible “people person” who speaks six languages, he has recruited thousands of top-quality brand ambassadors for events on three continents.
Even as the company has grown, he continues to be the face of ERF for most clients learning their needs, developing projects and building value through events and promotions.
Edgar believes that “meeting people, building relationships, and making friends with good folks” are three of the greatest joys in life.
Robert Jones
Chief Content Officer
Robert is a freelance writer and principal at PenPoint Group LLC, where he helps small businesses craft a more compelling story around their brand. In addition to copywriting and marketing communications, he regularly publishes articles with SmartBrief, AllBusiness.com and Entrepreneur.com.
Elena Bykova
Director of Operations for Russia and Eastern Europe
Elena brings an unusual skill set ranging from logistics and distribution to branding and design. After graduating from one of the largest universities in Siberia and qualifying as a transport engineer, Elena’s marketing expertise was noted by a major dairy company, and she traded her graphing calculator for a new career in packaging, advertising and branding.