Best of the Best: Pet Age Introduces 2022 Power 50 List - Pet Age

As we close out 2022, the pet care industry continues to experience a great deal of change. Manufacturers, distributors and retailers struggle to overcome the effects of an ongoing war, a lingering pandemic and supply chain disruptions in what seems to be a tumultuous decade. Inflation, too, is impacting pet products with prices taking enormous jumps throughout the year. 

Through it all, the professionals that appear in this section have made a substantial impact on the pet market, so much so that Pet Age is recognizing them as this year's honorees for its 2022 Power 50 list. The criteria for selection were relatively straightforward: Identify the people influencing the pet care community in positive way, whether they be company leaders, heads of organizations or officials whose decisions affect the pet care community and the animals we serve. 

Pet Age examined the state of the pet market with input from industry experts and observers to derive the 50 executives, directors and authorities who are demonstrating the sort of forward thinking and professionalism that are needed from today's leaders. 

The list isn't an exact science and there is no ranking – the list goes by alphabetical order. What the Power 50 list offers is a snapshot of people who are vitally important to the pet care industry. It's an impressive roster and we are privileged to give them their due. 

Pet Age congratulates this year's Power 50 honorees and thanks them for the contributions that they're making to the pet care community, using their dogged drive and steadfast leadership to foster growth in the pet care industry. 

Olivier Amice

Whitedridge Pet Brands

Olivier has been in the pet industry for 30 years, mostly on the food side and in both the US and international markets. In 2015 and recognizing that the humanization of pets was creating a shift in consumer behavior, Olivier started Whitebridge, a company focused on "pet treating", or nutritional products fed to dogs and cats in addition to their typical dry food, which is still the main source of calories for pets in developed markets.

Today, more consumers chose to enhance their pet's meal with wet food to offer hydration missing from dry food, to add extra protein, and to enhance flavor. Others just like to offer healthy treats to train or indulge their pets. Under his guidance, wet foods, snacks and, more generally, treating became the business of Whitebridge. Olivier led the acquisition of several US-based brands in the last 8 years, including Tiki Pets, Buddy Biscuits, Dogswell, Cloud Star, Grizzly, Pet Botanics and Crazy Dog, and in 2022, directed the integration of the international brand Schesir through a merger with Italy-based Agras. Whitebridge is now present in more than fifty countries and ranks in the top thirty of petfood companies worldwide. Last year the company grew organically 30+ percent because its products enhance their retailer business and resonate with consumers. The company's tag line, "Better Together," is a philosophy embodied by both Olivier and the team, and perpetuated throughout between pets and people, and between Whitebridge and its retail partners.

Adam Baker

SodaPup

Adam Baker has had a varied career, starting as an Officer in the United States Coast Guard. After leaving the service and getting an MBA he spent 20 years in the sporting goods Industry working for Nike, UnderArmour and Crocs.

Baker joined the pet industry in 2013 and launched the SodaPup brand with the goal of applying the product marketing principals he learned earlier in his career, namely to always put the consumer first; to create continuous product innovations; and to always give the consumer something exciting to look forward to. He was also committed to producing 100 percent  in the U.S.A.  In the past year Adam and the SodaPup team have innovated extensively in the enrichment category by creating a full range of enrichment products including rubber treat dispensers, nylon toys with enrichment attributes, lick mats, slow feeder bowls, enrichment trays, and durable enrichment devices called ecoins. All these products showcase the SodaPup ethos of making premium products that improve upon the functionality of other products in the market while also introducing fun, whimsical and unexpected designs that create an emotional connection with consumers.  In this way, Adam and his team are not only improving the lives of dogs, but also making their pet parents happier in the process.

In addition, Baker and the SodaPup team have introduced a faster cadence of new product introductions that allows retailers to flow new items into their assortments and to differentiate their assortments from their competitors.

Michael Baker

Pet Food Experts

When you grow up on a farm with a deep-rooted family history of connecting local pet lovers in the community, it seems a bit of clairvoyant grace that Michael Baker would someday reign as Pet Food Experts' Commanding Officer. 20 years later, as President and CEO, Baker continues to carry an ever-increasing love for people in the heart of the business.

Throughout strong headwinds in 2022, Pet Food Experts continues to establish itself as a paragon in the industry delivering double-digital growth YOY and the innate ability to meet the ever-evolving needs of its 6,800 independent pet retailers.

Following the recent completion of three distribution center expansions, Pet Food Experts is continuing to evolve its framework for growth, amplifying its Executive Team with new CTO and CFO appointments.  Heavy investments have also been made in heightening cybersecurity, brand portfolio expansions, voice-picking and freezer upgrades in its six distribution centers across the U.S. In 2023, the company plans to unveil a refreshed E-commerce solution designed to elevate the overall online ordering experience for retailers along with new offerings for its vendor partners.

But even as Pet Food Experts continues to grow, Baker has set a gold standard for investing in company culture through transparent leadership. Famed for his fireside chats and friendly tradeshow floor hugs, he is forever gracious and accommodating among adoration from the growing network of independent pet retailers. His unceasing optimism has masterfully mobilized the PFX community of 800 employees into service innovators.

Looking ahead, as a champion for good, Baker will soon launch the Baker Family Giving Fund serving as a catalyst for positive change in local communities by providing opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Tim Batterson

Animal Supply Company

With over 30 years of experience in supply chain distribution and leadership, Tim Batterson, Animal Supply Company (ASC) president and CEO, is a vital part of the company's success. Tim has been with ASC for eight years and proudly works alongside the Leadership Team and company teammates to deliver success every day. Tim believes ASC teammates are the company's biggest asset and sets the company apart from other industry distributors. By working together, the company continues to thrive through the everchanging landscape and economy to ensure ASC's vision of 'A world where every pet is happy, healthy, and safe' comes to fruition.

In 2022, ASC achieved new heights as the company became an accredited business through the Pet Sustainability Coalition. Tim believes everyone has a responsibility to ensure improvements are made to enhance the planet for the future of pets and people. ASC continues to expand its operational network while focusing on providing the best-in-class customer service and delivering operational excellence. Most recently, ASC has opened an 80,000-square-foot distribution center in Scranton, Pennsylvania, increasing its presence in the Northeast and positioning itself for geographical success. The company continues to expand its national footprint with +15 brand wins in 2022, including fresh and frozen business which has allowed ASC has to become the nation's largest fresh and frozen pet food distributor.

Batterson is the proud owner of two Boxers, Dexter and Koda, and completed his fifth Ironman this year. As a former football player, Batterson loves watching college football and cheering on his kids' college teams: Gamecocks and Clemson.

ASC is the national leader in Local Everywhere pet food and supplies distribution serving 7,000+ retail customers who operate more than 15,000 retail outlets. Its mission is to share our passion for animals through trusted partnerships that connect the brands and customers we serve to those who love pets. The company operates 17 facilities and employs approximately 1,000 teammates.

Nicki Baty

Hill's Pet Nutrition US

Nicki Baty is president and general manager of Hill's Pet Nutrition US, one of Colgate-Palmolive's multi-billion dollar brands, and global leader in science-led pet nutrition.

In her role, Baty oversees more than 600 employees across multiple locations in the United States who are focused on Hill's mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationship between people and their pets. Baty's work ethic and passion for people and pets has made for a tremendous career at both Hill's and Colgate-Palmolive.

In addition to leading Hill's US to double digit growth during her tenure, Baty is also focused on driving innovation through a focus on digital transformation across the organization. Baty is a champion of embedding a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture into the organization as well as being relentlessly committed to sustainability and having a positive impact in everything we do. Of note, the Hill's Food Shelter and Love program has provided more than $300 million in food to more than 1,000 and have helped place 12 million pets in their forever homes.

Prior to leading the US business, Baty served as vice president, Hill's Global Customer Development and Regional General Manager, Asia and Latin America, where she provided leadership to the Customer Development teams globally and set the strategic focus for Hill's emerging markets.

Baty's previous roles included leading operations in Europe as regional general manager, Colgate Palmolive Nordic Region (2017-2019) and general manager, Colgate Palmolive Netherlands (2014-2017), where she led the return to consistent organic growth, strong market share gains and an acceleration into new retail environments.

Baty began her career in the UK and holds a Law and Business degree from the University of Warwick. She is married and has two children. She enjoys such outdoor pursuits as skiing, hiking and exploring new places, as well as serving as a foster family for pets who need temporary homes.

Mike Bober

Pet Advocacy Network

Mike Bober is president and CEO of the Pet Advocacy Network, the legislative and regulatory voice of the responsible pet professional community. Under Bober's leadership in 2022, the Pet Advocacy Network's government affairs team successfully protected and advanced the priorities of pet businesses in numerous pieces of high-profile legislation. As longstanding, systemic supply chain and port disruption issues impeded thousands of U.S. pet care companies in a challenging economy, their work supported the enactment of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act that removed many of the barriers. They also initiated a successful broad scale effort to remove Lacey Act amendments that would cripple pet imports and transport from the COMPETES Act.

At the same time, Bober's communications team developed and launched a complete rebrand for the organization. Founded in 1971 as the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), the new name, logo and website were unveiled at Global Pet Expo in conjunction with the organization's 50^th anniversary celebration, better positioning Pet Advocacy Network for many more years of effective advocacy on behalf of pets, pet owners and pet professionals.

Finally, as the pandemic waned, Bober brought the power of pets back to Capitol Hill for the first time in-person since 2019. The 5^th Annual Pet Care Community D.C. Fly-In and Pet Night receptions brought pet professionals face-to-face with lawmakers and staffers to engage on key pet-related issues that will protect, advance and celebrate pets in Americans' lives far into the future.

Bill Bookout

National Animal Supplement Council

Bill Bookout, NASC president and board chairman, is a true agent of change who thinks strategically and acts tactically, but still gets choked up when reminiscing about the pets who have crossed his path over the years. The NASC is a nonprofit trade association that promotes the health and well-being of companion animals given supplements by their owners and protects and enhances the animal health supplement industry. The NASC has grown from 18 member companies in 2001 to 300 members today.

Bookout is a recognized leading expert on regulatory issues surrounding animal health supplements. He routinely engages with regulators to cooperatively create a responsible path forward for these products when roadblocks arise. This year alone he has worked with the Vermont Department of Agriculture to create a specific category for supplements that is statutorily recognized; continues work with the Florida Department of Agriculture to address animal health supplements and eliminate stop sales until a viable solution is submitted in the 2023 legislature; initiated a long-term CBD safety study in dogs that will be completed Q4 2022 in response to FDA-CVM's request for such a study; and is working directly with Idaho Governor Brad Little's office in response to that state's decision to stop the sale of animal remedies containing hemp and CBD.

"When we look back at our accomplishments in life, I think we all want to have made a difference," Bookout said. "That's what I am most proud of. I can confidently say the NASC has made a difference for the pet industry, and for millions of animals."

Dana Brooks

Pet Food Institute

Since 2018, Dana Brooks has served as the president and CEO of the Pet Food Institute (PFI), the national trade association representing most pet food and treats manufactured in the U.S.

Brooks, the voice for pet food makers, has done more than 500 media engagements over the past four years with outlets including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Yahoo! News, Petfood Industry, Pet Business, Pet Product News, Pet Food Processing, and Pet Age.

Brooks has 22 years of government relations experience representing a range of agricultural and food interests that includes how to engage and navigate the political system that regulates the pet food industry from Congress to AAFCO. Within the first six months of her leadership at PFI the controversial issue of diet-based DCM was introduced by FDA CVM.

Until June, Brooks served as an officer for the Global Alliance of Pet Food Associations (GAPFA), and currently is the president of the board of directors for Pet Partners. Recently, Brooks was asked to join the board of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.

A member of last year's Power 50 list, Brooks also is a very proud recipient of the Women in Agribusiness Ambassador Award she received in 2014 and a Woman of Influence recipient by Pet Age magazine.

Tim Cofer

Central Garden & Pet

Tim Cofer is the Chief Executive Officer of Central Garden & Pet, a $3.3 billion portfolio company on a mission to lead the future of the Pet and Garden industries. Its innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger. Central is home to more than 65 high-quality and iconic brands including Nylabone, Kaytee, Zilla, and Aqueon, as well as strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities, and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture.

Since joining Central in October 2019, Cofer has led the company through some of the most transformative years of the Garden and Pet industries, delivering two consecutive years of record growth. In fact, this year, Central moved up to number 785 in the Fortune 1,000 rankings, which is over 200 spots higher since the company's debut in 2018. In 2022, Central made meaningful progress against its long-term Central to Home strategy, most notably advancing its consumer-focused agenda through accelerated eCommerce growth, investments in product innovation and the execution of successful brand marketing campaigns.

With over 30 years of experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods industry, Cofer is committed to leading businesses that drive sustainable, profitable growth and create consistent shareholder value. Before joining Central, Cofer served in key leadership positions and held general management roles, including chief growth officer of Mondelez International; president of Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa Mondelez International; president of Kraft Foods Europe; president of Kraft Pizza Company; and president of Oscar Mayer Foods.

Ron Coughlin

Petco

Since joining the company in 2018, Ron Coughlin has spearheaded Petco's transformation from a traditional pet retailer into a health and wellness company improving the lives of pets, pet parents and its more than 29,000 Petco partners (employees). Petco recently:

• Increased average employee wage rates
• Invested millions in employee benefits premiums and enhancements
• Introduced a one-of-a-kind specialty retail partnership with Lowe's
• Became the first pet retailer to be awarded the American Humane Certified seal of approval
• Welcomed over 800 veterinary care professionals to its network
• Introduced cutting-edge ultrasound technology at its full-service veterinary hospitals
• Expanded its footprint with new Neighborhood Farm & Pet Supply pet care centers tailored to the health and wellness of pets in small-town and rural communities
• Expanded its Vital Caremembership – a pet health and wellness plan that pays for itself – to include all pet types.
• Expanded its WholeHearted line with human-grade, frozen food for dogs

Ron continues to propel Petco's corporate responsibility function. In addition to its longstanding partnership with Petco Love, which has helped 6.5 million animals find homes since 1999, Petco is committed to increasing its assortment of sustainable products to 50 percent by the end of 2025, and improving racial equity, diversity and inclusion through enhanced tracking, training, employee resource groups and more.

Through purpose-driven performance — a hallmark of Coughlin's leadership — Petco's fully integrated pet care ecosystem has delivered 15 consecutive quarters of growth and continued customer growth as of the second quarter of 2022.

Robert Downey

Annamaet

Robert Downey began Annamaet Petfoods in 1986 with a mission to develop holistic, natural, American-made pet foods.  His goal was to provide optimal nutrition while maintaining an eye towards the environment.  Downey's leadership has allowed that to remain Annamaet's mission to this day, as those principles have led to innovative and industry-leading products, including lines of life-stage and pre-therapeutic diets, treats, and performance supplements. Annamaet sales have grown each year and the brand has expanded to 18 countries and throughout the U.S.

Downey received his B.S. from The Ohio State University in Animal Science then went on to do seven years of post-graduate work in canine nutrition.  His work has been published in Veterinary and Scientific Journals and is widely credited with forever changing the way modern endurance and performance dogs have been fed. Rob continues to give lectures around the world.  He is also well known as an accomplished sled dog racer, competing in major races from Alaska to Argentina. Annamaet success is built off Rob's unique combination of scientific research and study with real hands-on performance training.

Downey has always put quality and science first when developing his products; making test batches and doing real life feeding trials to ensure his products are safe, effective, and palatable.  In addition to utilizing novel, sustainable ingredients in Annamaet's sustainable line of dog and cat food, Rob was one of the first in the industry to adopt biodegradable synthetics for packaging.

With Downey at the helm, Annamaet remains a family-owned and operated company with science and nutrition at the forefront, always working to create the best and healthiest foods for pets everywhere.

Caitlyn Dudas

Pet Sustainability Coalition

Caitlyn Dudas is the executive director and co-founder of the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC), a nonprofit that advances business through environmental and social business practices. She is a 2019 Woman of Influence recipient, winner of the 2019 Vanguard award and a 2017 40 Under 40 award recipient in honor of her innovative approach to bring together industry leaders to strengthen their businesses, while also driving the pet industry toward a future where pets, people and planet prosper. She leads the coalition from Boulder, Colorado, where she completed her B.A. in Environmental Studies and Economics at the University of Colorado. She also holds a Master's in Environmental Management and Sustainability from Harvard University.

Dudas has grown the Pet Sustainability Coalition from eight founding companies in 2013, to a thriving community of nearly 200 engaged companies who are advancing their sustainability practices.

In the past year PSC has:

• Launched the PSC Packaging Pledge – A roadmap for Signatory companies to reach sustainable packaging goals by 2025.
• Launched the 4 Factor Framework on Sustainable Protein – The first holistic model to evaluate the sustainability performance of any protein type according to its environmental impact, social impact, nutrition, and animal welfare performance
• Implemented an Earth Day Rally – A 30 day sprint that engaged over 45 companies and seven industry partners to complete over 12,400 meaningful actions toward a more sustainable planet.
• Presented at six global industry conferences on the topic of sustainability in the pet industry.

Andrea Faccio

Nestlé Purina PetCare

As chief growth officer at Nestlé Purina PetCare U.S., Andrea Faccio provides unified leadership across the organization to help transform business strategies into actions that drive powerful growth. She began her career in 1996 as a Commercial Trainee at Nestlé Brazil and has since served in many key roles across the company and the globe as a dedicated steward of iconic brands and one of the architects of our company's success.

At a high level, Faccio's strategic approach is to continue to innovate and renovate core brands while expanding pet care offerings to meet ever-changing consumer needs. As she notes, " A unique element of the pet business is that our end customer can't speak. This requires us to really be consumer – or pet owner and pet – obsessed to dial into the needs and expectations of today and tomorrow."

Prior to her current role, Faccio served as Chief Marketing Officer, Vice President of Purina's litter division and Vice President of Marketing for Purina Latin America and the Caribbean. She continues to serve as a judge for Purina's annual Pet Care Innovation Prize program, which provides support and mentorship to emerging entrepreneurs in the pet space.

Faccio is a native of Brazil and has held positions across the Nestlé organization for more than 25 years, which has included key roles in Brazil, Switzerland, Australia and, most recently, posts with the U.S. pet care business. She earned her MBA from Washington University in St. Louis.

A lifelong pet lover, Faccio brings her Bernedoodle, Rio, to work with her at Purina's downtown St. Louis headquarters almost daily.

Kathy Decker 'KD' Frueh

KONG Company

Kathy Decker (KD) Frueh has spent the past 25 years with the KONG Company growing the company through a concerted focus on the brand and doing what is best for the dog. After starting her career in higher education, she transitioned to the pet industry through a serendipitous mutual connection. This began the long journey of growth for Frueh, the KONG company itself and the strong team of likeminded professionals.

With a strategic focus on the snowman shaped dog toy in pet specialty retail, and a KONG shaped heart, Frueh has been able to drive the household recognition now associated with the respected KONG name. Whether it's creating a great place to work, making a difference in the world, or building a brand, Frueh has always put people first in her career. Her trademark likeability and tenacious spirit have been hallmarks of her tenure at the KONG Company as president for the last 15 years and have led to a dominant market position for the beloved company. Even amongst the many challenges posed by COVID-19, the KONG Company continued to grow and innovate in the marketplace through creative new product offerings and tried and true customer service. Frueh's vision for the future and strategic insight continue to push KONG forward in the industry, maintain brand integrity, and develop innovative products for our cherished pets.

Born in South Dakota, Frueh attended Bethel University where she received a BA in Communications.  After moving to Colorado, she earned her MA in Education from the University of Denver.

Berenice Giannini

eTailPet

As a former independent pet retailer and a catalyst for change in the pet food industry, Berenice "Bere" Giannini founded eTailPet in 2018 to help empower independent pet business owners to thrive in the multibillion-dollar pet industry.

Giannini has a long history of driving innovation in the pet industry. Raised in California and Mexico, Giannini worked her way through business school at University of Southern California and became the CFO/COO at multimillion-dollar pet food company Dogswell, founded by her now husband. Seeing a need in the market for healthier, nutrient-rich pet foods, Giannini and her husband created Protein for Pets, an independent pet-store chain that specializes in healthy products for pets.

Giannini founded eTailPet after tackling the daunting task of bringing Protein for Pets online. Working with a limited budget and competing against big e-retailers, Giannini saw an opportunity to help other small, independently owned pet stores get online, bring clients into the stores, and keep innovation alive in the independent pet retail space.

Now, eTailPet is the only full-service all-in-one POS and ecommerce solution created for independent pet businesses by an independent pet retail owner. It allows thousands of independent pet food retailers to run successful businesses -both brick-and-mortar & online – with a low-cost, sensible business model. Bere and her eTailPet team are continually enhancing the platform with new features and functionality to help indie pet retailers compete against the big box retailers and online giants.

Giannini has been recognized as an entrepreneur and successful business leader, including recognition by Pet Age as a 2021 Woman of Influence. In addition to creating eTailPet and owning and operating the Protein for Pets retail chain, she has also demonstrated a deep commitment to community and service, including helping to support indie pet retailers impacted by COVID-19 over the past two years.

Dr. Bob Goldstein

Earth Animal

Dr. Bob Goldstein is co-founder of Earth Animal and head of product innovation and development. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Bob, with his life partner Susan, are the co-authors of the Goldstein's Wellness and Longevity for Animals, winner of the Dog Writer's Association Maxwell Medallion Award. He is the editor/coauthor of the textbook, Integrating Complimentary Medicine into Veterinary Practice, published by Wiley Blackwell.

In the 1970's, after a personal healing crisis with the Goldstein's own dog Leigh, Dr. Goldstein began to question the negative and ethical impact of the use of chronic medications and pesticides and the feeding of nutritionally inadequate pet foods.  As a result, he and Susan embarked on a holistic mission which led to Earth Animals "Another Way" (Protect & Cause No Harm).

Pet industry-wise, Dr. Goldstein has formulated 100's of pet products including foods, supplements, remedies and treats. It is his belief that "animals should not be used as a delivery system for a poison for flea and tick prevention." Dr. Bob's Natures Protection products are leaders in the industry in a safer, more gentle way for flea and tick prevention. He has formulated his gently processed, humanely sourced Wisdom Dog food, soon to add cat and plant-based options.

Dr. Goldstein is a "veterinary activist" with regards to the protection and humane treatment of factory farmed animals, the reduced reliance on meat for pet foods and treats, pet industry sustainability programs and protection of the environment. Through his Healing Center for Animals practice, Dr. Goldstein has treated thousands of animals with cancer using nutrition as a modality. Many of his protocols are the ingredient basis for Earth Animal products.

Jimmy Haverstick

Astro Loyalty

With an extensive history in creating and developing SAAS and other cloud-based platforms for the animal health, pet and agricultural industries, Jimmy Haverstick, president of Astro Loyalty, founded Astro to connect and empower the independent retail channel. Originally developed as a service of Focus Technology Group (FTG), a veterinary channel data aggregator co-founded by Haverstick in 2000 to simplify rebates and incentive programs from brands to veterinary clinics, Astro started as a coupon and incentive management portal for pet specialty retailers and veterinary clinics. When FTG was acquired in 2015, Astro was divested and quickly grew into a neighborhood pet retailer loyalty platform, and the rest is history.

Haverstick is driven and passionate about helping neighborhood pet retailers compete against big-box and online retailers. Along with continuing to provide services that take costs out of the independent pet supply chain, Astro delivers a suite of marketing tools with brand-curated digital assets to help Astro pet retailers put their best foot forward. Haverstick is proudest of Astro's Share the Love (STL) program and My Pet Eats Local initiatives. Introduced during the pandemic to reward consumers with brand-sponsored adoption bundles and Share the Love has been very successful, helping Astro retailers and brands gain new customers and providing newly adopted pets with great products and support from Indy pet retail. My Pets Eats Local embraces and raises awareness of the benefits of Neighborhood Pet Retail: the products, the value and the people.

With Haverstick's leadership and a dedicated team, Astro has grown to be the industry standard digital clearing house in the pet specialty channel for frequent buyer and coupon incentive programs, serving over 4000 locations in the U.S. and Canada.

Heather Govea

Alphia

Heather is the chief commercial officer at Alphia, where she is responsible for sales, customer service, R&D and marketing for Alphia. She has a deep background in pet consumables, and she began her career when the super-premium category was new to the indsutry and was a part of launches for many national brands while working in independent distribution. Govea spent 15 years with Natural Balance Pet Food, playing a role in the pioneering one of the largest brands in the super-premium category. She led Natural Balance through the Del Monte/Big Heart and Smucker's acquisitions as general manager for the brand through 2016. Govea also served as president of NULO Pet Foods.

Govea began with CJ Foods in 2016 to pioneer the private brands division on behalf of the company. Leveraging her 20 years of experience, she quickly grew the division with pet specialty retailers differentiating the company with a distinguished proposition. She was later tapped to take over sales and marketing with the company and a leadership role as CJ Foods acquired American Nutrition. Stepping into the broader leadership role as chief commercial officer for the newly formed Alphia, she has led the commercial efforts on behalf of the company. Alphia manufactures over a billion pounds of food annually with 12 locations across the United States.