Bennett named Drug Store News publisher

NEW YORK Lebhar-Friedman Inc., parent company of The Drug Store News Group, last month named Wayne Bennett publisher of the group, which includes Drug Store News, Pharmacy Practice, PharmacyTech News, Retail Clinician and Specialty Pharmacy magazines, as well as all Drug Store News electronic media products.

The move, which became effective just prior to the Holidays, acknowledges the considerable contributions Bennett has made to the Drug Store News franchise over a highly successful 15-year career with the company. Bennett, who most recently served as associate publisher of the group and national sales manager prior to that, has played an instrumental role in the overall growth of the enterprise from the single flagship Drug Store News print edition to the current group of publications and e-media products that comprise The Drug Store News Group today.

Bennett succeeds John Kenlon, who in 2009, was named VP and group publisher for Lebhar-Friedman’s Retail Division, which includes The Drug Store News Group, as well as Chain Store Age, Retailing Today and Home Channel News, including all print and electronic products.

“Wayne has a genuine passion for retail pharmacy and wants the industry to succeed — not just Drug Store News,” Kenlon said.  “For that reason, suppliers and retailers want to work with him; they know he will do everything he can to help improve their businesses.”

Bennett first joined Lebhar-Friedman in October 1996 as area manager for Drug Store News. An avid cyclist, and life-long New Yorker, he lives in Long Island with his wife Gail and his two sons, Alex and Jake. A proud SUNY-Albany graduate, Bennett also has an MBA from St. John’s University.