Francella, Aylward join Store Brands

Store Brands has a new brand director and editor-in-chief. Kevin Francella (above left), a veteran of food, beverage and CPG media, will guide the title’s print, digital and live event products for the Chicago-based property, owned and operated by EnsembleIQ. Lawrence Aylward, a publishing professional with decades of editorial experience on business-to-business publications including several food magazines, will oversee editorial operations.

“I am thrilled to be joining Store Brands at such an interesting time in the evolution and growth of private brands,” Francella said. “The importance of private brands to retail go-to-market strategy has never been greater, and so the information needs for private brand managers have never been more critical.”

He added, “That’s why Store Brands is rededicating itself to delivering the information private-brand managers need to succeed, information that is timely and delivered in a variety of actionable and impactful formats. I look forward to forging strong bonds with private brand managers and product and service suppliers alike and helping to build a tighter community to advance this important industry.”

Francella most recently spent 15 years as publisher and editorial director at Beverage World, where he directed a variety of information products, including a highly successful live event that promoted operational excellence in that industry’s rapidly changing supply chain. His other experience includes building and managing media products directed to the food and CPG supply chains and foodservice operators.

Aylward has spent nearly 20 years writing and editing for various food magazines, including Meat+Poultry, Meatingplace and Pizza Today. Earlier in his career, Aylward worked for a newspaper and wrote restaurant reviews.

Aylward most recently served as editor-in-chief of Superintendent, a publication for golf course management professionals.

“I look forward to covering the private brand industry as part of a fine publication with a solid reputation in the industry,” Aylward said. “I’m excited to meet and speak to the many people in this burgeoning industry.”