2025 Rising Stars: Anne Connolly, Simmons Pet Foods
Every year, Store Brands sets out to recognize the next generation of private label leaders, individuals who are not only excelling in their roles but also driving meaningful progress across the industry. The 2025 Rising Stars embody the innovation, energy, and strategic thinking that are essential to keeping store brands competitive, relevant, and compelling to today’s consumers.
This year’s honorees share a deep commitment to delivering value, quality, and fresh ideas to their companies and retail partners. Whether launching new product lines, strengthening brand identities, or collaborating across teams to improve execution, each of these professionals brings passion and purpose to their work.
The impact of these Rising Stars is already being felt across the private label landscape. Many have played pivotal roles in building more shopper-centric brands, streamlining supply chains, or identifying on-trend innovations that resonate at shelf. In an era where private brands are gaining ground, their efforts are helping to redefine what store brands can be.
As the private label industry continues to evolve, future success will depend on a new generation of leaders. Their drive, insights, and collaborative spirit are setting a new standard, one that ensures the future of store brands is bright, bold, and built to last.
Anne Connolly
Senior Account Executive
Simmons Pet Food
Anne Connolly has quickly become a standout performer at Simmons Pet Food, making a strong impact in the private label pet food space through her leadership, collaboration, and dedication to her customers’ success.
Now in her second full year with the company, Connolly manages key accounts that include Tractor Supply, Dollar General, Aldi, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar. Her work has helped Simmons secure major wins, including being named Companion Pet Vendor of the Year by Tractor Supply, a first for the company.
Connolly has played an instrumental role in expanding private label offerings for Dollar General and Family Dollar, working closely with each retailer to introduce new wet pet food items and increase their market share within the category. Her efforts are rooted in strong partnerships, as she is widely respected for her calm, solutions-focused approach and the trust she builds with retail teams.
In 2024, Connolly led a major project to shift all manufacturing for one of her largest national retail partners from Canada to the U.S. The move required a complete overhaul of packaging and coordination across multiple teams. The result was a more efficient supply chain for both Simmons and the retailer, further solidifying the relationship and driving business forward.
Connolly’s steady leadership, deep customer focus, and ability to drive results have positioned her as a rising star in private brands.
