BrightStar Group Holdings, Inc. names Brian Schnell COO Kevin Pignone brought on as Vice President of Field Support
BrightStar Group Holdings, Inc. announces the addition of Brian Schnell as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer, and Kevin Pignone as Vice President of Field Support.

GURNEE, IL, December 14, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- BrightStar Group Holdings, Inc. announces the addition of Brian Schnell as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer, and Kevin Pignone as Vice President of Field Support.

Schnell and Pignone join BrightStar as the company progresses toward becoming a multi-brand franchisor. BrightStar's flagship, BrightStar Care , a full-service healthcare staffing agency that provides medical and non-medical homecare to private clients within their homes, has 250 locations nationwide and is on target to have more than 300 locations open by the end of 2012. In the next few years, the company plans to add at least five brands that complement BrightStar Care 's mission of making more possible.

Schnell comes to BrightStar after serving as a partner at Faegre & Benson, a law firm in Minneapolis that serves businesses in the United States, Europe and Asia. Schnell brings more than 25 years of franchise experience, during which time he counseled emerging and mature franchisors.

"We are excited to have Brian join the BrightStar team," says Shelly Sun, BrightStar CEO and co-founder. "He's one of the most recognized names in franchising. A lot of BrightStar's growth over the last five years can be attributed to Brian's advice, input and support. His presence, expertise and leadership will allow us to fulfill our goals over the next 10 years."

At BrightStar, Schnell will report to CEO Shelly Sun and oversee the company's field operations team, company-owned store location, international development and contract administration.

"It's a unique opportunity to be part of a franchise organization that's committed to making a difference in the lives of its clients, its franchisees and its employees," says Schnell.

As Schnell officially starts his role as COO in January 2012, Kevin Pignone already is leading BrightStar's field operations.

Pignone joins BrightStar after spending more than 20 years at UPS, most recently as Vice President of Domestic Development for UPS's Mail Boxes Etc. franchise where he focused on the high-impact growth segment of The UPS Store unit development.

"Pignone's invaluable combination of experiences in sales management, franchise development and operational management will serve him well as he helps BrightStar franchisees strengthen and grow their business," says Shelly Sun. Pignone will report to COO Brian Schnell.

Schnell and Pignone are joining a company that is well-positioned to add extra brands due in part to the contributions of Chuck Bailey, who resigned from his duties as President of BrightStar Care this month for family reasons. During his time with BrightStar, Chuck served as President, Senior Vice President of Operations, and franchise owner. He has accepted an invitation from BrightStar CEO Shelly Sun to stay on as a consultant for the company.

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