Looking at the pet industry’s new appointments as we step into 2024

As the new year begins, pet industry players around the world are shaking up their C-level staff. GlobalPETS has gathered the latest news and updates on key appointments within various pet businesses so you can stay in the loop.

General Mills

With over 30 years of experience at pet food manufacturer General Mills, Jon Nudi has been announced as the new Group President of Pet and International, the company’s 2 largest growth areas.

Prior to this appointment, Nudi served as Group President of North America Retail (NAR).

The company pointed out that Under Nudi’s leadership, NAR “significantly accelerated its growth in organic net sales and segment operating profit.”

Pet Supermarket

Rich Tannenbaum has been announced as the new CEO of Florida-based Pet Supermarket. The pet retailer spans over 200 locations.

Rich brings over 25 years of retail and e-commerce experience to the position.

“It is an incredible honor to be selected,” adding he is “thrilled to help lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and success,” states the new CEO.

Tannenbaum’s previous pet industry experience includes working as Vice President (VP) of Distribution Services at pet retailer chain PetSmart.

BARK

Staying on American C-suite level updates, e-commerce platform BARK’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Narayanan Sitaraman will step down this month. 

“Nari has been an important asset in driving the evolution of our technology organization over the past 2 years, comments Matt Meeker, BARK’s Co-Founder and CEO.

The company’s current VP of Product Management, Eric Picard, will step into the former CTO’s shoes.

Wagner’s Pet Products Group 

German pet product distributor Wagner’s Pet Products Group has recently undergone a change in leadership. Markus Wagner, former Chief Operating Officer (COO), is now the group’s Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).

The new CMO will oversee the brand’s strategy and development, with Sebastian Holländer as the new COO. 

“Holländer brings his extensive experience as COO of a renowned Dutch nutritional supplement specialist, AixSwiss, to further optimize our operational processes,” notes a company spokesperson. 

Natural Pet Food Group (NPFG)

Further afield in New Zealand, Natural Pet Food Group (NPFG) hired Brett Henshaw to take over from long-standing former CEO Neil Hinton.

Before the move, Henshaw worked as Managing Director at dairy nutrition co-operative Fonterra Brands New Zealand. 

“The opportunity to lead an innovative global team producing truly world-class natural products for our pets is extraordinary,” says Henshaw.

He also notes that NPFG is a “notable contributor to the New Zealand economy” and that he is looking forward to “developing the significant relationships they have built with their suppliers and stakeholders.”

The premium pet food producer also operates in Australia, China, Japan, the US and Canada. 

ManyPets 

In addition to its operations in Sweden and the US, pet insurance company ManyPets has seen an overhaul of its United Kingdom operations. Luisa Barile has moved across from her role as Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company’s UK arm. 

“I’m delighted to now lead the UK business as it enters its next chapter and to bring ManyPets’ unique value and high-quality products to more pet parents,” comments Barile.

She has extensive experience in the insurance world, having previously served as the Co-Chair of Insuretech UK. 

Thrive Pet Healthcare

Texas-based vet services Thrive Pet Healthcare has hired George Bchara as CFO. 

“George is a highly accomplished senior executive with a proven track record of effectively influencing corporate strategy and growth,” says CEO Tad Stahel.

Stahel chose Bchara because of “his impressive background and financial expertise, honed over years of leading finance organizations across sectors.”

Bchara previously worked as CFO for the American furniture store chain Conn’s HomePlus. 

Delipet

Swiss pet food and treat manufacturer Delipet has announced the appointment of Egbert Klokkers as its new CEO, following the interim management of Kurt Schädler, who led the company through a restructuring phase in 2023.

Bringing with him a wealth of experience, Klokkers served as the Vice President of German meat producer Westfleisch and held the role of CEO at Tönnies Rind.

In his most recent position, Delipet’s new CEO oversaw Ospelt Group’s pet food division as an Authorized Representative and Member of the Management Board.