Mark Francis is the Director of Operations and Technology at the Insured Retirement Institute (IRI). In this role, he will drive process best practices across the annuity industry to support digital transformation, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the member experience. He works closely with carriers, distributors, and technology partners to align business goals with industry-wide innovation.

Prior to joining IRI in 2025, Mark held leadership positions in the financial services industry, spanning business technology, operations, and digital transformation. He has deep experience in annuities, life insurance, and retirement planning, with a focus on automation, process improvement, and scalable execution. Mark is known for bridging the gap between business needs and technical implementation to help organizations grow while reducing complexity.

Mark earned his bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University and a master’s degree from Northern Kentucky University. He has also attained the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI) designations. He lives in the Cincinnati metro area with his wife and two sons. In his free time, he likes to read, spend time with family, and coach youth basketball.