In 1982, he became AFP’s Washington correspondent, and covered conflicts in central America and Mexico. In 1995 Francis was appointed AFP editor-in-chief in France. In May 2000, he returned to Washington and worked as editor-in-chief for North America until June 2006, followed by a four year period as the Latin America regional director.
He was named AFP’s director of photography in January 2012. Under his leadership AFP has been recognized with two Pulitzer prizes in photography, the Visa d’Or, as well as a number of World Press Photo awards.
