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Michael Franco
Senior Director, Recruiting @ Yext | 🔎 The Next Big Thing in Search |
Professional Background
Michael Franco is a highly accomplished recruiting professional with over 15 years of diverse experience that encompasses agency recruitment, full-cycle recruiting, and senior talent acquisition leadership. Currently serving as the Senior Director of Recruiting at Yext, Michael's career is marked by significant contributions to various business units, including Customer Success, Engineering, G&A, and Services & Support. His journey in the recruitment industry began at Robert Half, where he not only honed his skills in full-cycle recruiting but also excelled in Finance and Accounting recruitment, earning recognition as a Presidents Club Achiever four times throughout his tenure.
In 2013, Michael transitioned to Gartner, taking on a Senior Sales Recruiter role, where he further refined his expertise in talent acquisition for sales-focused positions. This foundational experience built a solid framework for his future roles in recruitment leadership.
Michael joined Yext in 2018, initially stepping into the role of Principal Talent Sourcer. His upward trajectory at Yext is a testament to his dedication and recruitment prowess. Michael's commitment to excellence saw him progress to Senior Manager of G&A Recruiting and subsequently to Director of Recruiting, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the recruitment strategy that supports the company's robust growth and expanding operations.
Achievements at Yext
One of Michael's notable achievements at Yext includes his instrumental involvement in the launch of the company's International Operations Centre in Hyderabad, India, in 2021. This major undertaking not only showcases his strategic vision for organizational growth but also highlights his ability to execute complex recruitment initiatives across international borders. Over his five-year tenure, Michael has successfully placed dozens of high-caliber professionals across various departments, making him a key element of Yext's dynamic talent acquisition framework.
Michael is known for his ability to forge meaningful connections with candidates and clients alike, a skill that enhances the overall candidate experience and contributes to Yext’s employer brand. His commitment to nurturing talent rather than simply sourcing candidates aligns with the current trends in recruitment, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building in today’s competitive job market.
Education and Achievements
Michael Franco holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Philosophy from Eckerd College, where he developed a strong foundation in strategic thinking and ethical business practices. His education has undoubtedly influenced his approach to recruitment, allowing him to appreciate the nuances of organizational culture and candidate motivations.
Prior to his tenure at Eckerd College, Michael attended Darrow School and Greenwich High School, where he laid the groundwork for his academic and professional future. In addition to his educational background, Michael has actively participated in industry discussions as a keynote speaker at prestigious conferences such as the GEM Talent Summit 2022, where he shared insights on emerging trends in talent nurturing. His presentation, “Talent Nurture is the New Sourcing,” reflects his forward-thinking approach and understanding of the evolving recruitment landscape.
Personal Life
Outside of his professional endeavors, Michael enjoys a fulfilling personal life. He is a dedicated family man, often spending quality time with his wife, Caitlin, and their two children, Nicolas and Sofia. Their family unit is completed by Princess Bianca, the family cat, and Josie, the beloved family dog. This balance between work and family life contributes to Michael's overall well-being and drives his commitment to excellence in his career.
In conclusion, Michael Franco is a seasoned recruitment leader with a wealth of experience and a strong educational foundation. His career progression and achievements at Yext highlight his strategic importance in the world of talent acquisition. As industries continue to evolve, professionals like Michael are essential in connecting organizations with the talent they need to succeed and thrive.
Achievements
- Over 15 years of recruitment experience across agencies and corporate environments.
- Successfully launched Yext's International Operations Centre in Hyderabad, India, in 2021.
- Recognized as a Presidents Club Achiever four times during his tenure at Robert Half.
- Keynote Speaker at GEM Talent Summit 2022, discussing emerging trends in talent nurturing.
- Developed strong relationships with clients and candidates, enhancing Yext's employer brand.
Location
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