HR alert: American pet players announce new leadership changes

Pet companies in the US, Canada and Brazil have made major changes to their leadership teams in February, appointing executives to key roles across food, health and retail operations.

Chewy

Chris Deppe has been named Chewy’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Prior to his appointment, Deppe served as Head of Corporate and Commercial Finance Functions for the online pet retailer. 

Following the move, interim Principal Financial Officer Will Billings will continue to serve as Chief Accounting Officer.

Deppe joined the company in 2022 as Vice President of Supply Chain and Operations Finance. Before Chewy, he served more than 16 years at Amazon in senior finance leadership roles across transportation and fulfillment operations.

Independence Pet Holdings (IPH)

New York-based pet health firm Independence Pet Holdings (IPH) has appointed Vandana Venkat as President of its subsidiary, Independence Pet Group (IPG), one of North America’s largest pet insurance and services organizations.

Venkat brings more than 2 decades of leadership experience across global carriers and digital insurers. She previously held senior roles at insurers including Argo Group, Clearcover and PURE Insurance.

“Her expertise will support our continued growth across our diverse pet insurance portfolio and help us advance our mission of caring for pets and empowering pet parents,” says Kirk Haggard, CEO of IPH.

Champion Petfoods

Champion Petfoods, an Alberta-based pet food company, has appointed Jamie Mahoney as General Manager for North America, effective 10 February. She oversees the company’s business operations across the United States and Canada, driving regional strategy for its ORIJEN and ACANA brands.

Before joining the firm, Mahoney served as CEO of JDE USA, the US division of Dutch multinational coffee and tea company JDE Peet’s.

“Jamie’s expertise in scaling high-growth brands and her bold approach to storytelling make her the ideal choice to accelerate our momentum and redefine our North American footprint,” says Stacey Osborn, President of Champion Petfoods.

The Crump Group

Canadian pet treat maker The Crump Group has appointed Jeff Crump as President, effective 12 February. He has more than 3 decades of executive leadership experience spanning multinational retailers, global manufacturers and omnichannel organizations.

“I look forward to strengthening operations, expanding our market presence and continuing to deliver exceptional products to our retail partners and pet parents across North America,” Crump says. 

Founded in 2006, the manufacturer produces natural, dehydrated treats under the Crumps’ Naturals, Caledon Farms and Dog Delights brands. It also produces private label offerings distributed across North America.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Colgate-Palmolive’s pet division, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, has appointed Amalia Londono as Executive Vice President of End-to-End Supply Chain. Londono succeeds José Borrell, who has been named Colgate’s Executive Vice President, End-to-End Supply Chain, Latin America.

She has over 25 years of experience at the company. In this new role, she leads the digital transformation of the Hill’s global supply chain ecosystem, which includes 12 manufacturing plants worldwide and dozens of warehouses and distribution centers.

“Amalia’s rich experience across domestic and international markets, combined with her pragmatic business leadership skills, will be vital as we transform our network to better serve pets and their families worldwide,” says Yvonne Hsu, President of Hill’s.

Vetnique

Pet health and wellness company Vetnique has appointed Noel Geoffroy as Global CEO. Before joining Vetnique, Geoffroy held senior leadership roles at Sanofi, Procter & Gamble, Kellogg, Heinz and Helen of Troy.

Meanwhile, James Bascharon, Founder and previous CEO of Vetnique’s North America operations, continues as a Board Member and serves as a Strategic Advisor to the company, while Fiona Hope, who served as CEO for the UK/Rest of the World, has stepped down.

“Noel brings a proven track record of commercial success and a leadership style ideally suited to Vetnique’s culture and the next phase of growth,” says Chris Slager, Executive Chair of Vetnique.

Central Garden & Pet

Central Garden & Pet has appointed Kay M. Schwichtenberg to its Board of Directors, effective 1 March, after 29 years at the company. Most recently, she served as Executive Vice President for Animal & Public Health.

“Kay brings deep leadership experience across consumer products and animal health, along with a strong understanding of Central and our businesses. Her perspective as an operator and executive will be a valuable addition to the Board as we continue to focus on growth, innovation and long-term value creation,” says Bill Brown, Chairman of the Board of Directors.

J.M. Smucker

Katie Williams has been elected as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of The J.M. Smucker Company, effective 9 March. Williams brings more than 20 years of experience in brand building and, most recently, served as the US Chief Marketing Officer for Haleon, a multinational consumer health company.

On 10 February, Tucker Marshall, the Group’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), was promoted to Chief Financial Officer | Executive Vice President, Frozen Handheld and Spreads and Sweet Baked Snacks.

The company’s Senior Vice President and General Manager, Coffee and Procurement, Rob Ferguson, has also been promoted to Chief Product Supply Officer | Executive Vice President, Coffee, Pet and Away From Home.

Meanwhile, Jill Penrose, previously Chief People and Company Services Officer, has been promoted to Chief People and Administrative Officer | Chief of Staff.

Royal Canin

Mars’s Royal Canin has named Kira Best as General Manager, Healthy Pet & Pet Specialty. Prior to her promotion, Best served as Vice President of E-Commerce & Digital and has been with Royal Canin for over 10 years.

“I’m thrilled to take on a new role supporting our healthy pet portfolio and serving more cats and dogs across North America,” says Best. “It’s a tremendous privilege to help meet the evolving needs of pet owners, and I’m looking forward to leading this team as we prioritize pet health through nutrition.”

Post Holdings

Consumer goods company Post Holdings has appointed Greg Pearson as President and CEO of Post Consumer Brands, effective 1 April. Pearson succeeds Nicolas Catoggio, who assumed the role of Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) in January.

The new CEO brings over 25 years of experience in the consumer-packaged goods industry. His previous roles include CEO of the sweet manufacturer Pretzels and marketing roles at General Mills and Chewy.

“Greg’s experience leading and transforming businesses in grocery and pet, across brands and private labels, is a great fit for our Post Consumer Brands organization,” says Rob Vitale, President and CEO of Post Holdings. 

Elanco

In Brazil, Elanco Animal Health announced Paul Riga as the new Managing Director of national operations, succeeding Fernanda Hoe, who will occupy an executive position in the US.

A veterinarian with an executive MBA, Riga has been at Elanco for more than 15 years, having passed through sales, operations and marketing. Since September 2023, he has been the leader of Elanco’s branch in France, working on the consolidation of the company’s brands in the country.