HR alert: Global pet sector sees shifts in top management

A new wave of leading pet care and pet food companies has announced new executive appointments to drive growth and strategy in the global pet industry.

Tom&Co

Wouter Lefevere has left Belgian pet retailer Tom&Co as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) after serving for almost 2 years. Lefevere was appointed as Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) in October 2023 before transitioning to CCO.

“It’s been a privilege to discover a business where it’s not just about simply selling a product, but about helping pet parents every day with their various needs,” says Lefevere. “This mindset truly came alive through collaboration with our stakeholders and partners – franchisees, suppliers, logistics providers and many others.”

Before joining the Belgian pet retailer, Lefevere held senior leadership positions in Aldi Nederland, the Dutch division of the discount supermarket chain Aldi Nord Group, global food retail chain SPAR International, and grocery chain Lidl in Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Tom&Co did not disclose who will fill the position.

Protix

Dutch insect player Protix has appointed Maiko Van der Meer as its new CEO, effective November 2025. He will be responsible for advancing Protix’s global expansion and forming partnerships with aquafeed, livestock feed and pet food companies.

Prior to joining Protix, Van der Meer accumulated over 30 years of industry experience and held senior leadership positions at major international companies such as Unilever, Mowi, Vion Food Group, Klaas Puul and Storteboom Food Group. 

“Protix is building on a solid foundation with strong assets such as its committed team, unique portfolio of functional ingredients, state-of-the-art technology and valuable partnerships such as that with Tyson Foods,” he says. “I see a bright future for functional insect ingredients, and look forward to advancing their role in building a circular food system.”

Founded in 2009, Protix produces protein from black soldier flies for pet food, aquaculture and livestock feed, plant nutrition and insect farming.

Nestlé Purina North America

Gina Garren is Nestlé Purina North America’s new Vice President and General Manager for the Golden Products Division. 

She was the company’s Vice President and Head of Market Development prior to this transition and has been with the company for over 15 years.

In her new role, Garren will guide the division’s strategic direction, growth plans and operations, focusing on innovation, strengthening brand value and maintaining consumer trust in Purina’s pet care offerings.

Prior to joining Purina, Garren gained experience in marketing and brand development at Horizon Hobby, an international developer, distributor and marketer of radio-controlled (RC) cars, planes, boats and helicopters.

Wellness Pet Company

Wellness Pet Company has promoted Rik Hannes to Managing Director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa  (EMEA) and Latin America, replacing Wim Petermans. Hannes joined the company in early 2024 as Senior Director of Finance and will now be part of the Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to CEO Reed Howlett.

Prior to Wellness Pet, Hannes spent more than 15 years at Mondelēz International in senior roles across finance, manufacturing, commercial operations, M&A project implementation and logistics. He holds a master’s degree in finance and international business.

In a statement to GlobalPETS, the company highlighted Hannes’ leadership qualities, noting that he is “a strong communicator, leader and business partner” who has been an asset to the company.

Hannes served as Head of Finance from March 2024 to November 2025 before stepping into his new role based in Brussels.

PetSafe

American products manufacturer PetSafe appointed Max Rangel as its new CEO, effective 10 November. With over three decades of industry experience, Rangel wants to bring the company a global perspective on consumer goods, with expertise gained at The Procter & Gamble Company, The Hershey Company and SC Johnson.

Rangel holds an MBA with a focus on Engineering from Tulane University in New Orleans and serves on the Board of Directors of Sally Beauty Holdings. He also serves on the Advisory Board of Break the Ceiling Touch the Sky, a global initiative dedicated to advancing gender equality in corporate leadership.

“I’m inspired by the team’s passion and purpose – improving the lives of pets and people who love them – and look forward to working with John [Compton, Board of Directors’ Chairman], the Board and the entire team to accelerate growth and deepen customer relationships through outstanding value and experiences,” he says.

PetSafe manufactures hard pet goods such as electronic containment and training systems, waste management products, fountains, pet doors and automatic feeders for over 52 countries.

Zoetis

The animal health firm has named Kevin Esch as its new Executive Vice President and President for Research and Development, starting 1 January 2026. He will succeed Rob Polzer, who will step down from the position at the end of 2025.

Esch joined Zoetis in 2014 and is currently the Senior Vice President of Global Therapeutics. Polzer will remain at Zoetis as a scientific advisor until his retirement on 28 February 2026.

He will lead global research and development efforts, including pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical portfolios, and oversee discovery, molecule design, pharmacology, safety and clinical development.

The new Executive VP also chairs the External Advisory Board for Research at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and has previously served as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer on the Board of Directors for the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.

“Kevin’s scientific vision and lifelong commitment to animal health have elevated Zoetis’ global therapeutics portfolio and inspired teams across our organization,” says Kristin Peck, CEO of Zoetis. “His leadership has not only been critical in advancing our innovative pipeline but also in setting a standard of excellence and collaboration that strengthens our entire industry.”

Lyka

Australian pet food startup Lyka has appointed Cameron Luby as its first Chief Marketing Officer.

Luby has been Head of Marketing at Optus, a major telecommunications firm in Australia, since March 2025, and is making the move after three years with the company. At Optus, he was responsible for marketing across the consumer and enterprise businesses, including brand, product and performance marketing.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the incredible team at Lyka,” Luby says. “They’ve built a standout brand on strong instincts, bold creativity and an authentic commitment to the mission. It’s an exciting foundation, and I cannot wait to help drive the next chapter of growth with a fantastic team.”

Founded in 2018, Lyka offers meals, supplements, treats and ingredients for dogs. It is currently based in Sydney, New South Wales.

Jollyes

Joe Wykes, CEO of the British pet food superstore chain Jollyes, stepped down in October after serving the company for 4 years. Wykes has been replaced by the Chief Operating Officer, Adam Dury, as CEO Designate.

Under Wykes’ leadership, the company grew its store footprint from 70 to 110 locations and its workforce by 500 people.

“To assist Adam as he transitions into his new responsibilities, Andy Bond will also act as Jollyes’ Executive Chairman over the coming months. Jollyes is in good shape – it has a sharper customer proposition based around lower prices, is operationally strong and is opening a significant number of new stores before Christmas,” Jollyes tells GlobalPETS.