Xcel Brands appoints retail vet to board

New York -- Xcel Brands Inc., a brand management and development company, has appointed a veteran marketing executive of Target to the Xcel board of directors.

Francis is currently the chief global brand officer for DreamWorks Animation SKG. Prior to joining DreamWorks he was the founder and CEO of Farview Associates, a brand development agency focused on the creation of new brands and the support of established global brands.

"We are thrilled to have Michael Francis join our board of directors," said Robert D'Loren, chairman and CEO of Xcel Brands Inc. "Michael brings incredible marketing, leadership, innovation, and extensive branding experience to our board and Xcel, and we look forward to working with him in this new capacity."

His prior experience includes the position of president of J.C. Penney and more than 26 years with the Target Corp., most notably as the global chief marketing officer, where he was a key architect of the brand's 'Cheap Chic' differentiation strategy.

Advertising Age previously named Francis one of the world's top marketers and Business Week and Fast Company have previously listed him as one of the top global innovators.