Francis Yupangco

I am an accomplished Marketing, Organizational Management and Public Relations Executive with an MBA. I have visited 38 countries, lived in 8 and speak 5 languages.

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Francis Yupangco is an accomplished Marketing, Business Development and Operations Executive with an MBA. Having lived in 7 countries and traveled to 38, he has honed significant international organizational management and brand creation skills. As Director of Business Development and Marketing for a large, highly diversified manufacturing company, Francis successfully secured the company’s involvement in National Geographic's hit reality TV series “Fish Tank Kings”. Season 2, with 16 new episodes premiered on June 1, 2013 on Nat Geo WILD and has dramatically increased company brand value. In 2010/11, Francis Yupangco spearheaded the redesign and launch of the firm's new marketing and branding strategy which included; dynamic new websites, striking printed, online and video resources, memorable corporate messaging and engaging social media campaigns.He directs the firm’s business development and sales initiatives by sourcing, managing and securing new clients. Significant corporate contracts completed during his tenure include Disney, SeaWorld, the Miami Marlins Baseball Team, Loews Hotels, Rainforest Café, and many others.Francis has worn many hats in my career and served as Director of Operations at Issham Aquatics International. The company is a renowned Middle East-based Public Attraction Construction and Management Company. During his 5-years with the firm,Francis directed company operations at over 30 locations across 4 countries including major tourist attractions, commercial venues and government institutions. Highlights of Francis' achievements include the completion and operational management of Khalifa Park Maritime Museum, Prince Sultan Science and Technology Center and the Royal Palace Shark Encounter. Additionally, he contributed to the planning and delivery of marketing and promotional strategies for completed projects to attract the public in a competitive environment. From Marketing to Operations and Business Development, I am equipped to manage any organizational challenge

Director of Business Development and Marketing at Living Color Enterprises Inc.

2009 - Present

Proposed and secured a successful National Geographic Channel reality TV series chronicling the company. “Fish Tank Kings” created a huge following of loyal viewers in the USA and internationally during its first season. Season 2, with 16 new episodes premiered on June 1, 2013 on Nat Geo WILD and has increased the firm’s brand value tremendously.  Strategize and direct the firm’s overall marketing and branding strategies. Key achievements include spearheading the creation and launch of a new marketing and branding strategy in 2010/11. The major initiative encompassed the development of engaging websites for the company’s business units, launching a profitable E-Commerce system, improving site SEO and implementing effective PPC campaigns.  Ensure the firm remains consistently front-of-mind to consumers by continually producing compelling multimedia material. Create unforgettable brochures, catalogs and product packaging to engage and educate consumers. Organizational Management and Process Improvement  Manage and lead effective company-wide cross functional teams. Develop and administer process enhancements and strong operational bonds. Improved production efficiency and on time delivery. Liaise with major clients, stakeholders and contractors throughout the entire project life cycle. Ensure deliverables are completed in accordance with contractual specifications and client requirements. Lead comprehensive quality control and compliance inspections on major projects.  Business Development and Sales  Spearhead the firm’s business development initiatives by sourcing and managing new clients.  Research and analyze data on potential business opportunities. Accomplishments include securing exclusive distribution agreements with two major European manufacturers in 2010 and 2012 respectively.

Director of Operations at Issham Aquatics International

2006 - Present | Dubai, UAE

Organizational Management and Growth Provided leadership and strategic direction to all facets of the firm’s daily operations and long term business goals. • Directed company operations at over 30 locations across 4 countries including major tourist attractions, commercial venues and government institutions. Led the company to significant growth with the completion and operational management of several multi-million dollar tourist attractions and research facilities. • Notable projects completed during my tenure include the Khalifa Park Maritime Museum, Royal Palace Shark Encounter and the Prince Sultan Science and Technology Center. Demonstrated exceptional skill in construction management and operational oversight of complex commercial, residential and industrial projects. Designed training programs for employees and implemented procedures to improve company-wide performance. Directed and mentored a talented team of 8 Project Managers and a multinational staff of over 50 engineers, biologists and technicians through complex design, construction and operational projects. Responsible for departmental P&L, budgeting and accounting. Oversaw all business activities including human resources, marketing, sales and procurement. Process Improvement and Innovation Reduced costs and enhanced services at all locations by strategically migrating employees and equipment to maximize utilization and optimize efficiency. Negotiated advantageous agreements with major international contractors, architects, engineering firms and suppliers. • Formed a joint venture partnership with a US manufacturer and a strategic business alliance with a leading UK engineering firm. The agreements resulted in significantly lowered costs, higher profit margins, expedited delivery and preferred vendor status. Defined critical path milestones. Ensured the accurate completion of detailed project cost estimates, bid documents, budgets, schedules and contracts. • Led contract negotiations, progress inspections and final handover proceedings. Contributed to the planning and delivery of marketing and promotional strategies for completed projects to attract the public in a competitive environment. • Developed and implemented visitor programs, educational curricula and a variety of value-added tours for the general public, media, royalty and other stakeholders.

Senior Project Manager at Issham Aquatics International

2003 - Present | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Led, coordinated and managed the successful simultaneous construction and operations at major facilities in the Middle East and Europe. Notable achievements include the completion of the first modern science center in Saudi Arabia and the construction of the world’s largest ship-board aquarium, built at the Blohm and Voss Shipyards in Hamburg, Germany. Streamlined supply chain logistics. Implemented cost saving and quality improving procedures and protocols. Specific accomplishments include streamlining the processes necessary to procure, import and deliver material from key European and North American vendors. The improved procedures resulted in significant freight cost savings and faster delivery times within the first year of implementation. Set project costs and schedules. Implemented productivity benchmarks to ensure the successful completion of projects under my management. Performed extensive quality control inspections to ensure project deliverables were executed in accordance with contract documents, specifications and client expectations.

Marine Biologist/ Animal Care Specialist at Vancouver Aquarium

1996 - 2003

- Developed a detailed knowledge of all aspects of major aquarium facility operations including animal care, animal health nutrition, water chemistry, life support operations and exhibit designs. -Experience in the collection, transport and quarantine of temperate and tropical marine and freshwater animals. -Demonstrated high standards of exhibit maintenance and cleaning activities. Researched and implemented upgrades, enhancements and changes to exhibits and life support systems. -Helped to ensure that the institution complied with AZA and CAZA accreditation standards.

Royal Roads University

2010 – 2012

Master of Business Administration

Simon Fraser University

1996 – 2002

Bachelor of Science

Concentration: Marine Biology

Travel (visited 38+ countries), Kayaking, Scuba, Paddle boarding, biking, photography, cooking, swimming, surfing, industrial design, architecture and eating!