Brian Kenealy, MBA
About Brian Kenealy, MBA
Brian Kenealy, MBA, is an Associate Category Manager at US Foods, where he has worked since 2022. He has a background in marketing and management, with previous roles at Telecom Brokerage INC., Jewel Food Stores, and Walt Disney World.
Current Role at US Foods
Brian Kenealy currently serves as an Associate Category Manager at US Foods, a position he has held since 2022. In this role, he is responsible for managing advertising functions, including pricing and promotions, to drive growth and improve selling margins. He also analyzes and identifies trends to refine and develop national strategies for consistent category performance. His previous experience at US Foods includes working as a Category Buyer from 2016 to 2022, where he negotiated vendor proposals and agreements to optimize category activities, including RFP and RFI processes.
Previous Experience in Retail Management
Before joining US Foods, Brian Kenealy worked at Jewel Food Stores as an Assistant Manager from 2008 to 2014. During his six years in this role, he gained extensive experience in retail management and operations. Earlier in his career, he held a position at Telecom Brokerage INC. as an Account Manager for three months in 2014 in the Greater Chicago Area. His diverse background in retail and account management has contributed to his expertise in category management.
Early Career at Walt Disney World
Brian Kenealy began his professional journey at Walt Disney World, where he worked in Guest Services for four months in 2004. This early experience provided him with valuable skills in customer service and guest relations, which have been beneficial throughout his career in various management roles.
Education and Expertise
Brian Kenealy holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Northern Illinois University, which he completed between 2013 and 2015. Prior to his MBA, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the same institution, studying from 2005 to 2008. His educational background in marketing and business administration has equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary for his roles in category management and retail.
Achievements in Category Management
During his tenure at US Foods, Brian Kenealy has led efforts to increase private label penetration across the category on a national scale. His ability to analyze market trends and develop strategies has contributed to the optimization of category activities. His work includes managing vendor relationships and ensuring effective advertising functions to enhance category performance.