Stoessel Takes Helm as FM Editor-in-Chief

Penton Restaurant Group didn’t have to look far to find its new editor-in-chief for Food Management. After a decade of earlier stints in newspaper journalism and seven years in senior and managing editor roles on Restaurant Hospitality and Lodging Hospitality magazines at Penton, Eric Stoessel was promoted last week to the top spot at Food Management.

At RH, Stoessel quickly distinguished himself as one of the best-read editors covering the restaurant industry with his ability to connect with operators and chefs. His sharp, insightful writing helped build RH’s print and online following during a year in which its digital audience engagement exploded and the RH website was honored as the best in the business-to-business space by Folio Magazine.

“I’m excited to join such a strong brand with a great tradition,” Stoessel says. “My approach is simple: I want to bring to life the stories of the people and places that make this industry unique, while providing the news, analysis and information our readers need to do their jobs better. That’s the role of any great B-to-B publication, but there’s no reason we can’t have fun while doing it. I hope you’ll see my passion in the pages of FM moving forward.”

Earlier in his career, during his years with Lodging Hospitality, Stoessel became a well-known figure in the hotel industry as a frequent speaker at trade shows and investment conferences. In addition to reporting on real estate and operations, he also led the relaunch of LH’s digital platform. He is a 1995 graduate of The Ohio State University.

FM’s previous editor-in-chief, John Lawn, made a decision to step back from that role in early 2014. Lawn led the editorial staff over the last 19 years and, under his tenure, oversaw the development of much of the signature content that has come to define FM today. In passing the editorial mantle to Stoessel, Lawn commented on his own transition to the position back in 1995.

“At the time, as I became FM’s third editor, I felt that I was being given something that was precious and of great value to the noncommercial community,” Lawn said. “Over the intervening years, I have been the magazine’s brand steward and have carried its banner proudly. Now I feel it is time for me to move on to other challenges.

"At the same time, I care deeply for the FM brand and the confidence our readers have always had in it. I’ve known Eric for many years and I see in him the kind of individual who has the industry background, intellectual curiosity and personal drive needed to take the magazine forward and maintain the trust our readers have in us.

“Eric—supported by our seasoned staff editors, Mike Buzalka and Tara Fitzpatrick—will give FM readers the stories, perspective and insight they need to lead their departments and their people through the challenges of the years ahead.”

Food Management is published by Penton’s Restaurant Group, which also publishes Nation’s Restaurant News, Restaurant Hospitality, the Show Daily publications, as well as many associated digital newsletters, educational webinars and events, including the MUFSO Supershow.

Parent company Penton is a professional information services company that engages and informs millions of professionals every day. It is one of the nation’s leading providers of workflow solutions and insightful content, marketing services and professional networking events. Penton focuses industry expertise in five core growth markets: agriculture, transportation, natural products/food, infrastructure, and industrial design and manufacturing.