HR alert (II): Pet retailers announce key appointments across digital and commercial roles

Pet retailers across Europe, the US and South Africa are reshaping their leadership teams, with Fressnapf | Maxi Zoo, Chewy and Absolute Pets announcing new appointments in key strategic areas.

Fressnapf | Maxi Zoo

European pet retailer Fressnapf | Maxi Zoo is restructuring parts of its business to accelerate growth, digital transformation and customer-centric decision-making.

The company has appointed Marius Lückemeyer as Chief Digital & Online Officer. Starting in mid-September, he will assume responsibility for the company’s online business and lead digital and omnichannel changes. 

Lückemeyer has served as Managing Director of Product and VP of Marketplace at MediaMarktSaturn Retail Group, a leading retailer of electronics and related services. 

Chief Transformation & IT Officer Patrik Silén will also take responsibility for Customer Strategy & Insights, strengthening the link between customer insights and strategic decision-making.

In addition, Fressnapf is combining its Customer and Product Offer departments to establish a new Commercial department, which will be led by Mikko Forsström, the company’s CCO.

The group also announced the departure of Jens Pippig, Chief Customer Officer and a member of the Executive Management Board, effective 1 August.

Absolute Pets

The South African pet retailer has appointed Kevin Tuffin as CEO, succeeding Stephen Warner, who will depart the company on 30 September. Warner served as CEO for 13 years.

Tuffin has more than 22 years of retail experience across leading local and international brands. In his new role, he will lead Absolute Pets’ strategy, commercial performance, operational execution, supplier partnerships, team capability and long-term growth. 

He has been with the company for 6 years and previously served as Commercial Director, overseeing its Buying, Planning and Marketing teams. 

Chewy

American online pet retailer Chewy has appointed Melissa Bell as its new Chief Brand Officer. Bell brings more than 20 years of marketing experience across various industries, including mass media and entertainment, gaming and automotive. 

She most recently served as Executive VP of Global Marketing at Warner Bros. Discovery, where she led global marketing across the company’s intellectual property portfolio. Previously, Bell served as Global CMO at video game publisher 2K. 

“Her experience leading brand strategy, marketing and creative at global companies makes her a great addition as we continue building Chewy as the most trusted and convenient destination for pet parents and partners,” says CEO Sumit Singh.