John Francis is the Managing Director of Fraser Kearney Capital Corp., an investment company which oversees the affairs of the Francis family. From 1994 to 2006, he served as President and CEO of Trader Media Corporation, a family owned business and Ontario’s largest publisher of classified advertising publications and websites, including main brands such as Auto Trader, Home Renters’ Guide and The Bargain Finder. In 2005, the family sold Trader Media to Yellow Pages Income Fund (TSX: YLO-UN) and John served as CEO until June 2006. John continues to consult to Yellow Pages in the area of vertical media.

In 1990 when he rejoined Trader Media, a family business founded by his father, John made three concurrent acquisitions which changed the scope of the company. From its beginnings in 1975 with one publication, Trader Media grew through acquisitions and new product introductions to 71 publications and 9 websites and over 800 employees. Trader Media, which is now Trader Canada, is now the Canadian leader in classified advertising for vehicles, rental accommodation, new homes and condominiums, resale homes, and general classifieds. From 1988 to 1990 John worked in Los Angeles doing M&A transactions with David Murdock. Prior to this he was an analyst in M&A at Goldman, Sachs.