HR alert: Latest C-level appointments in the pet industry

New leaders are stepping into various roles to steer strategy, expand operations and strengthen market presence.

Pets at Home

The British pet retailer announced the appointment of James Bailey as CEO, effective 30 March 2026. He will replace Ian Burke, who was appointed Executive Chair on 18 September, pending the arrival of a permanent CEO. Upon the transition, Burke will revert to the role of non-executive chair. 

Before joining Pets at Home, Bailey built a long career in supermarkets, including 2 decades at Sainsbury’s and a role as managing director of Waitrose.

“I’m delighted to be joining Pets at Home, it’s a business I’ve admired for a long time, and one I believe has a very bright future. I look forward to working with the Board and to meeting and working with all of the Pets colleagues and partners,” says Bailey.

His appointment is in line with the company’s move to recover its retail segment, where consumer revenue dropped 2.3% year-over-year in H1 2026, ending 9 October 2025. 

Musti Group

Tobias Azevedo, General Manager of the Portuguese pet care retailer Zu, has joined Finnish pet retailer Musti Group’s Management Team as of 1 January 2026.

Azevedo previously held roles focused on e-commerce, retail and strategic management at Sonae Group, a Portuguese multinational company.

The group acquired Zu on 5 December for €12.9 million ($15M), bringing its network to 474 stores, 54 veterinary clinics and 196 spas across 7 countries. Zu operates 65 retail stores in Portugal, including 24 with veterinary clinics.

zooplus

European online pet retailer zooplus has promoted Vice President Vendor Management Pierre-Yves Delforge to Chief Merchandising Officer (CMO). 

In his new role, Delforge will lead the group’s merchandising strategy, including own brands, vendor management, and assortment development across markets. 

Having joined zooplus in 2017, he has held several senior roles and has been closely involved in shaping supplier partnerships and category strategy. 

The appointment reflects the company’s focus on internal talent development as it continues to strengthen its commercial and private-label capabilities.

Terra Canis

German pet retailer Terra Canis has appointed Janis Denne to the Executive Management Board as Chief Commercial Officer, effective 1 January 2026. 

Denne will succeed Olena Topylnitska as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and will work closely with Chief Operating Officer (COO) Thomas Reinarz.

As CCO, Denne will lead Terra Canis’ commercial strategy, focusing on market development, customer management, and growth initiatives. Prior to his appointment, he held senior roles at multinational companies like Nestlé and Coty.

Zigly Pet Care

Cosmo First, an Indian specialty materials and packaging manufacturer, has named Saurabh Jain as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its pet care division, Zigly.

Zigly Pet Care is a Delhi-based, omnichannel platform offering veterinary services, luxury grooming and premium pet products. Its portfolio includes pet food, treats, accessories, toys, beds and clothing.

In his new role, Jain will be responsible for expanding the brand’s presence, strategy planning and evaluating potential mergers and acquisitions (M&As). He will be working closely with the group’s CEO, Pankaj Poddar, and CFO, Neeraj Jain.

Jain brings over 16 years of experience, including leadership roles at packaging companies such as Jindal Films and SB Packaging, as well as at financial firms such as Wodehouse Capital, Religare Capital Markets and Jaypee Capital.

Fressnapf

German pet retailer Fressnapf, under the guidance of its newly appointed CEO Matt Simister, has named Patrick Bontenakels and Sven Girmendonk as Managing Directors for international markets at the beginning of December.

Bontenakels will oversee the Central and Eastern Europe business, while Girmendonk will be responsible for Western Europe. The new Managing Directors will receive direct reports from the Country Managers in the respective regions.

Fressnapf also announced that Florian Wieser will join the Executive Management Board as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) from January 2026.

Allana Consumer Products

Allana Consumer Products (ACPL), part of the Indian company Allana Group, announced the appointment of Manish Bandlish as its new Managing Director, which took effect on 1 December 2025.

In this role, Bandlish will oversee ACPL’s portfolio, including pet food. He is assigned to work in the Allana Centre in Mumbai.

With over 25 years of experience, the executive’s background includes leadership roles in food and beverage (F&B) and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) firms like Mother Dairy, JK Foods, Metro Cash and Carry, Subhiksha, and Marico.

“The Indian consumer foods market is evolving rapidly, and ACPL’s diverse portfolio and innovation capabilities make it well-positioned for the future. I look forward to working with the team to build strong brands and create long-term, sustainable value,” Bandlish says.

Tom&Co

Tom&Co’s former Food Purchase Director, Anna Mao, has assumed the role of Chief Procurement Officer and Supply Chain, effective 3 November.

Mao brings extensive retail experience, having held roles at Belgian multinational retailer Delhaize Group and Ahold Delhaize Group, as well as at the international hospitality group Accor.

“At Tom&Co, our mission goes beyond pet products — we’re here to celebrate the bond between humans and their pets. Every day, our teams work with one clear purpose: helping pets live healthier and helping their owners be the best companions they can be,” Mao says on a LinkedIn post.

Leiber

German yeast manufacturer Leiber announced leadership changes, following Asahi Group’s acquisition of the company in March 2025.

With a portfolio of yeast products for livestock and companion animals, Leiber appointed Gilbert Klausmeyer as Spokesperson and Chairman of the Management Board, and Oliver Beckmann and Masataka Yokoo as co-CEOs for Japan.

In addition, the group welcomed Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO) Christian Stork-Bohmann and Chief Sales Officer (CSO) Helge Jakubowski to the Executive Board.

“With the new management structure, we are setting the course for the next phase of our development as an innovative, internationally networked yet regionally rooted partner in the global yeast market,” says Klausmeyer.