GlobalPETS compiles the new executives who recently joined pet players around the world.
(May 2024)
Zooplus
The European online player has announced Steffen Schüller as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) starting 6 June. He will take over the role from Andreas Maueröder, who has spent 14 years at the company.
Schüller, who will also become a Member of the Management Board and Executive Committee, will lead the finance and accounting, financial planning and analysis, and treasury and legal departments.
His recent professional experiences include the role of Group Chief Financial Officer at fashion retailer Peek & Cloppenburg, CFO at automotive retailer Emil Frey, and the CFO of Lidl Digital.
Zooplus’ CEO, Geoffroy Lefebvre, says that Schüller’s extensive financial and retail expertise will be “invaluable” for the company as it aims to become “the ultimate European pet destination.”
Trupanion
The pet insurance provider announced that President Margi Tooth will also assume the role of CEO from 1 August. She will replace Founder and CEO Darryl Rawlings, although he will continue to serve as the Chair of the company’s Board.
Tooth’s appointment follows her 2-decade-long career in pet insurance and her 7-year tenure at Trupanion, where she has overseen the company’s strategic plan, helped diversify it into new channels, and expanded products and geographical markets.
“With less than 5% of pets in North America and Continental Europe covered by pet medical insurance today, there’s so much more to be done to ensure pets receive the care they deserve and veterinarians can practice the medicine for which they’ve trained,” says Tooth.
Alphia
The US pet food manufacturer has appointed 2 new C-level executives: Cade Culver as Chief Growth and Transformation Officer and Jack Reid as Chief People Officer.
Culver, who has spent 16 years in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industries, will be responsible for boosting Alphia’s business growth and implementing transformative strategies.
“I look forward to contributing to Alphia’s mission to produce safe, quality pet food as we continue to lead the pet industry and create a positive impact with our partners,” he says.
Reid, on the other hand, will be responsible for fostering a positive workplace culture. He has spent 25 years in human resources and most recently served as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Spectrum Plastics and Vice President of Human Resources at Pexco.
The Honest Kitchen
The Californian human-grade pet food producer has appointed Kurt Schmidt and Steve Ball to its Board of Directors for the company’s “next phase of growth.”
Schmidt’s appointment is central to the company’s expansion in the pet food sector, as he brings industry knowledge to drive growth and innovation. He has a background in the consumer goods sector and has held leadership positions at Kraft, Wrigley, Blue Buffalo, and Nestlé.
Ball brings a wealth of experience in entrepreneurial and strategic leadership in pet food and supplements through his past roles at the cat and dog food brand I and Love and You and supplement firm Zesty Paws.
Mars Veterinary Health
Todd Lavender is the new Chief Transformation Officer of Mars Veterinary Health—a global division within Mars Petcare, after serving as President of VCA Animal Hospitals for 2 decades.
In his new position, he will be responsible for leading “programs designed to increase access to care and inspire the next generation of veterinary professionals.”
“Todd will sharpen our future focus across our network, continuing to do more today to improve the experience of pet ownership and the experience of those caring for pets tomorrow,” says Doug Drew, President of Mars Veterinary Health.
Petmate
Paul Tonnesen is the new CEO of the Texas-headquartered pet product manufacturer and supplier.
Tonnesen spent over 3 decades in the consumer products industry, leading global suppliers and manufacturers, producing innovative solutions and acting as a key partner to customers in industries with evolving sales channels.
Having previously served as the CEO of Oregon Tool and Group Global President of Fiskars, he boasts an expansive network of contacts and industry experience.
“I am incredibly excited for the future and confident we will continue to support Petmate’s customers with a best-in-class portfolio of innovative pet products and brands,” he says.
Pet Wants
The fresh pet food player has brought on Jessica Riedy as its new Vice President of Operations, recognizing her extensive experience in team management, process implementation and franchise operations.
She has expressed her commitment to streamlining operations, enhancing communication between corporate and franchisee owners and maintaining Pet Wants as a cohesive unit.
“I aim to ensure that our franchisees feel heard, understood and supported,” she says.
Previously, Riedy held positions overseeing operations management remotely and locally across various industries.