Pet trade associations strengthen leadership teams

New CEOs, executive directors and board officers have been appointed at the UK Pet Food, Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC), the Pet Food Institute, IndiePet and the Animal Health Institute.

UK Pet Food

UK Pet Food, the trade association representing the pet food industry in Britain, has announced the departure of Michael Bellingham as CEO after 22 years in the role.

Bellingham will be succeeded by Deputy CEO Nicole Paley. He will remain with the association in a part-time capacity as Senior Advisor until the end of March 2027.

During his tenure, Bellingham supported the organization’s growth from 30-40 members to 108 today. He also oversaw its rebranding from the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) to UK Pet Food in 2023 and the development and launch of its Sustainability Ambition in 2025.

“It’s been an enormous privilege to lead this association for the past 22 years,” Bellingham tells GlobalPETS. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together, particularly the way that the PFMA and latterly UK Pet Food has grown and evolved while remaining focused on supporting our members and championing high standards.”

Paley joined UK Pet Food in 2003 and she has held the position of Deputy CEO since 2018.

“I’m incredibly proud to be taking on this role and building on the strong foundations Michael has established. We have a clear strategy, a fantastic team and an engaged membership,” Paley comments to GlobalPETS.

“My focus will be on turning our ambitions into progress, strengthening our voice and ensuring UK Pet Food continues to deliver real value for its members and the wider community.”

Pet Sustainability Coalition

The Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) has appointed Heather Pfahl as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Director, effective 2 November.

Pfahl has more than 20 years of experience in business leadership, environmental sustainability and social impact. She spent a decade leading sustainability teams across procurement and sourcing at major brands including Mars, Starbucks and Microsoft.

During her time at Mars, she worked with cross-functional teams to advance sustainable sourcing and other industry initiatives under the company’s Sustainable in a Generation goals. This included supporting Mars Petcare’s SHEBA cat food brand through the Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System.

Pfahl also brings nonprofit leadership experience, having worked with large international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to build teams, implement strategies and develop corporate partnerships.

“Her experience across global business, including pet brands, and her nonprofit leadership, is an exceptional fit for this moment in PSC’s growth. We are confident she will help PSC deepen member value and strengthen its role as a trusted convener for sustainability across the pet industry,” says Dustin Dover, PSC’s Board Chair.

Pet Food Institute

The Pet Food Institute (PFI), the national trade association representing US dog and cat food manufacturers, has appointed new board officers for 2027-2028.

Reed Howlett, CEO of Wellness Pet Company, will serve as Chair, while Liz Mascolo, Segment President of North America Pet at General Mills, has been named Vice Chair.

In his new role, Howlett will lead PFI’s Board of Directors, working with fellow officers and board members to advance the association’s mission and priorities on behalf of the US pet food industry.

“I am honored to serve as chair of the Pet Food Institute Board of Directors,” says Howlett. “I look forward to working with the Board and PFI team to build on the organization’s strong foundation, foster collaboration across the industry, and help position pet food makers for continued success in the years ahead.”

IndiePet

The US-based Independent & Neighborhood Pet Retailer Association (IndiePet) has named Bill Greene as its new Executive Director, effective 19 October.

Greene brings more than 27 years of leadership experience across large-format retail, pet product manufacturing, veterinary services, grooming and industry governance.

He most recently served as General Manager of specialty retailer Reber Ranch for 14 years, where he managed a large retail operation and oversaw the launch and operation of its veterinary hospital and grooming business.

Before joining Reber Ranch, Greene spent 13 years in regional sales leadership for a pet product manufacturer, working closely with independent retailers, distributors and other industry partners.

In his new role, Greene will work with IndiePet’s board, retail members and industry partners to strengthen the association’s support for independent retailers, expand its reach and help members navigate a changing marketplace. He will also focus on advancing strategic priorities and fostering greater engagement and collaboration across the industry.

Greene previously served four years on IndiePet’s Board of Directors, including as Secretary/Treasurer.

Animal Health Institute

Marie Bucko has been appointed Interim CEO of the Animal Health Institute (AHI), effective immediately. AHI is a nonprofit trade association representing companies that develop and produce animal medicines in the US.

Bucko has been with AHI since August, serving as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Her appointment follows the resignation of previous CEO Martha Scott Poindexter.

Bucko brings more than eight years of experience in animal health. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of Global Public Policy and Multilateral Engagement for Animal Health at Merck Animal Health. Her previous roles include positions at the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Office of Foods and Veterinary Medicine, and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“AHI has a strong foundation, an exceptional staff and highly engaged members,” says Bucko. “Our members can be confident that we will provide steady, focused leadership throughout this transition. Together, our team will continue the important work underway and move into 2027 prepared to deliver on AHI’s many priorities.”

AHI’s Board of Directors will launch a search for the organization’s next CEO in due course.