
John Francis
I established my award winning company, Theonera Inc. in 1998 and we help companies build quality teams. I am excited to partner with the award winning team at Avvanz and offer my clients a full compliment of talent management services, background screening, recruitment, training and onboarding to support them.
Finding and keeping the right employee for a client is a huge challenge and a process that can be full of twists and turns. When a match is established it is very satisfying and rewarding.
We take pride in truly knowing our clients and becoming a trusted extension of your company, we are a value-added partner upon whom you can rely on for your background screening, recruitment and training needs.
What truly excites everyone at Theonera & Company is the human component of our work. Companies are made up of people and everyone has goals, desires, hopes and ambitions. Work is an essential part of life. If the work you perform is meaningful, it is fulfilling for everyone involved.
Professional memberships
- Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA);
- National Personnel Associates (NPA);
- Applied Cognitive Studies;
- Institute of Organized Development (IOD), and
- Communitech.
Theonera & Company is built on a strong foundation of professional development and an established code of ethics offered by each of these associations.

Kannan Chettiar
As Managing Director of Avvanz I am proud to have been bestowed the “Executive of the Year – Human Resources Technology” award which is an extremely prestigious Management Excellence award from Singapore Business Review. We are equally as proud to partner with Theonera & Company. We believe in leveraging technology to enhance your company’s human assets and now with our partnership with Theonera & Company we can provide our award winning services to clients in North America.
As a Certified International Trainer with five star ratings from our Fortune 500 Clients and an accredited StrengthScope Practitioner I regularly deliver Thought Leadership talks and Masterclasses.
My love of personal empowerment and the ability to bring out the best in employees is what I am most passionate about. I hold an Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment as well as joint membership in the following organizations.
Professional memberships
- Professional Background Screening Association. (PBSA);
- Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA);
- Asia CEO Community.
Avvanz is built on a strong foundation of professional development and an established code of ethics offered by each of these associations.
Affiliate Groups
“I have found that John takes a personal interest in all of his clients. He listens to their needs, makes the process simple and presents great candidates. By understanding the technical side of our business he was always able to deliver quality service. It is refreshing working with Theonera & Company, a talent management firm that truly understands what you require.”
Debra (Deb) Neilson
Manager of Human Resources

“I have had the privilege to work with John since we originally connected in 2006, first as a job seeker and then as a resource to help the business I was working for. He holds a high professional standard and is very knowledgeable. John offers a personal service with a focus on the details required for a quality hire that is appreciated by his clients. His approach and his experience allow him to support his clients in a way that stands apart. With the value his services can bring I would recommend John to anyone looking for support with their recruitment or overall talent management goals.“
Patrick Snoek, MBA, CPHR
Our Commitment to Social Responsibility
At Theonera, there exists a belief that today’s generation has a responsibility to care for tomorrow’s world. From climate change to extreme poverty, there is much to be done for the future. The commitment to environmental responsibility starts at the most basic levels. Everything that is done is done with a sustainable future in mind. By using geothermal energy and solar power for our building, the greenhouse gas emissions are zero. By capturing rainwater for the company garden, using tap water for drinking or by making recycling a top priority, the focus is always on a sustainable tomorrow.
Theonera’s philanthropic vision is: global change at a local level. We strongly support Canadian Crossroads International, an organization dedicated to bringing together Canadians and those from the Global South to discover and implement innovative and effective solutions at the indigenous, community level. I am proud to say that Canadian Crossroads has enabled thousands worldwide to live a meaningful life.