About Joanne
Joanne Farquharson is President and CEO of Foothold America, the go-to-market partner for international businesses entering the US market. She joined the company at its founding in 2017 and has led it as CEO since 2020, building it into a trusted partner for SMEs from the UK, Europe, and beyond.
With 25 years of experience spanning international trade, risk management, employee benefits, HR, and financial services across the US, UK, and Europe, Joanne brings rare cross-border fluency to the complex world of US market entry.
Academically, Joanne holds a Master of General Administration with a focus in Marketing from the University of Maryland Global Campus and a Certificate in Managerial Finance from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). She is a Full Member of the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade and was shortlisted for their 2025 Legacy in International Trade award.
As CEO, Joanne’s expertise spans the full spectrum of US market entry, from employer of record services and US entity formation to HR and payroll compliance and Cultural Intelligence Advisory. She helps companies from around the world establish a credible, compliant US presence in weeks rather than months.
Joanne is recognised as Employee Management Advisory of the Year (CorpINTL, 2024) and is a board member of Foothold International Ltd and Foothold France SAS.
Focused conversations with entrepreneurs, founders, and industry experts who have successfully navigated the American market.
- Panel moderator at the US government’s premier foreign direct investment event
- Moderated “Investment Fundamentals: Expanding Your U.S. Operations Strategically” at the US government’s premier foreign direct investment event
- Guest episode discussing Foothold America’s mission and US expansion strategy with intellectual property law firm Rothwell Figg
- Regular panelist and speaker
When she is not helping international companies navigate the US market, Joanne enjoys walking through the French countryside around La Salvetat-Peyralès with her three dogs, Evelyn, Alan, and Gavin.
Credentials
- Master of General Administration (Marketing focus), University of Maryland Global Campus
- Certificate in Managerial Finance, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- Full Member, Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade (CIET)
- Board Member, Foothold International Ltd & Foothold France SAS
Recognition
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