A new round of appointments in the pet industry

Even though the first month of the year has not yet ended, some companies have already named new C-level executives. GlobalPETS takes a look.

Zooplus

The German online pet retailer has hired Jonas Schultheiss as its new Chief Marketing Officer. He will be based at the company’s headquarters in Zurich and be part of its Executive Committee. 

Schultheiss’s duties will include managing all aspects of digital marketing, marketing data, branding, content creation, design, offline marketing and customer relationship management (CRM).

Joining right before the company’s Silver Jubilee, Schultheiss shared his enthusiasm. “I am excited to bring this vision to life for our loyal customer base and the many new customers we will attract to our pet ecosystem.” 

Most recently, Schultheiss served as the Chief Product Officer for food subscription company Marley Spoon, where he also worked as the Chief Marketing Officer. He has held other positions in the field and is passionate about creating and leading high-performing teams in digital direct-to-consumer businesses.

“His extensive experience will strengthen our platform, enhance our brand identity, and engage more deeply with our customer community,” adds Geoffroy Lefebvre, CEO of Zooplus. 

Bella & Duke

The British raw dog food subscription company has appointed James Sturrock as its new CEO as former CEO and Co-Founder Mark Scott advances to a non-executive Director position.

Sturrock’s posting will see him further growing the company’s customer base and overall development.

Scott welcomed the new appointee by commending his “excellent experience and customer-centric approach.” 

Sturrock most recently served as the CEO of flooring retailer Tapi Carpets & Floors. Before that, he oversaw revenue and profitability growth at greeting card and gifting platform Moonpig and mattress maker Eve Sleep.

Bella & Duke, which has delivered over 15 million meals across the UK, was named Manufacturer of the Year at the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) Awards 2023. 

ADM

Ismael Roig has been appointed ADM’s Interim Chief Financial Officer, replacing CFO and Vice-President Vikram Luthar, who was sent on administrative leave by the company’s Board in light of a pending investigation around his accounting practices and procedures.

Roig, who has worked at ADM since 2004—most recently as the President of EMEA at ADM, among other key operational and financial leadership roles—comments, “I look forward to working closely with the management team and Board, including the Audit Committee, as we resolve this matter and continue to drive value for our stockholders and customers.”

Juan Luciano, Chair of the Board and CEO, called the new appointment the “right choice,” recognizing Roig’s various leadership positions at ADM over the past 2 decades. 

TasFoods

Australian food giant TasFoods has promoted Joshua Fletcher, its current Chief Financial Officer, to Chief Executive Officer. He will replace Scott Hadley after he steps down on 29 March.

Hadley took on the new position a couple of months after the Sydney-based group announced its move into the pet food industry with the nationwide launch of a new range of premium pet treats.

Leanne Pritchard, currently the company’s Corporate Finance Manager, will be the new CFO following Fletcher’s promotion.

Fletcher shared his ambitions to strengthen TasFoods’ foundation and financial position by delivering “exceptional” operational performance and developing portfolio brands to drive improved returns for the company and shareholders.

The new CEO has previously worked with organizations like Organic Dairy Farmers of Australia, Murray Goulburn Co-Operative and Tasmanian Dairy Products. 

Crespel & Deiters

The Crespel & Deiters Group, a German wheat-based pet food ingredient producer, has recently announced the appointment of 3 new members to its Executive Board.

Philipp Deiters will be taking on the role of Central Statistics Office of Food, Dr. Inge Hohrath will now be the acting Chief Financial Officer, and Steffen von Glahn will serve as the Chief Operating Officer, collectively supporting the group through its dynamic growth.

The reshuffled management is expected to establish sustainable core processes and ensure the satisfaction of its global consumers and business partners through high-quality products and solutions.

“This gives us the entrepreneurial and financial independence to consistently pursue our vision of becoming a leading international manufacturer of wheat-based products while remaining true to our values,” says Deiters.