Hill's Pet Nutrition names Neil Thompson new CEO

Colgate-Palmolive Company recently announced the retirement of Robert Wheeler as CEO of Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. Neil Thompson, formerly president of Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. Americas, will replace Wheeler as CEO.

April 26, 2009

Colgate-Palmolive Company recently announced the retirement of Robert Wheeler as CEO of Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. Neil Thompson, formerly president of Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. Americas, will replace Wheeler as CEO.

Thompson led Hill's businesses in the US, Canada and Latin America beginning in 2003 and has international general management experience.

Wheeler joined Hill's in 1981 as president and was named CEO in 1997. During his time at Hill's, the company introduced more than 40 new products. Wheeler also served on the Board of the American

Veterinary Medical Foundation , the Stormont-Vail Health Services Corporation, the Menninger Foundation and the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce.

Pet acquisition may not boost long-term well-being for all owners

Wow Cat New Cat Food Flavors

Wow of Austria, now part of Vafo, expands premium cat food line

Pet Ownership Statistics

Pet acquisition may not boost long-term well-being for all owners

The benefits they feel from pet ownership may have more to do with those individual motivations than the actual act of keeping a companion animal.

Brand Insights

Pet Food Manufacturer Thinks Outside the Box with EDL’s Double Tight Wrap Machine

EDL, as Massman Company

EDL Double Tight Wrap shrink wrapping machines use two perpendicular bands of LDPE film to tightly unitize and totally enclose a product or collation.

Pet Food Manufacturer Thinks Outside the Box with EDL’s Double Tight Wrap Machine

Petfood Forum News

From mentees to mentors: How three pet food veterans are paying it forward

Three women in pet food share hard-won insights on building the next generation of leaders through strategic mentorship.

The Women in Petfood Leadership group gathered during Petfood Forum 2025 in Kansas City this spring for a networking reception on the show floor.

Pet Food Market

How a Chilean pet food startup is disrupting market giants

Tributo Natural proves emerging brands can compete with industry leaders by focusing on transparency, sustainability and emotional connection over volume and price.

Tributo illustrates how a local company can navigate a market traditionally led by big brands through a clear focus on ingredient transparency, environmental responsibility and emotional connection with pet owners.

Females in Food releases study on women's workplace challenges

New research documents persistent barriers to advancement despite industry progress on representation.

Women in Petfood Leadership brings together professional women in pet food to build community through networking, career planning, leadership development and professional support opportunities.

Viking-themed cat food marketing may differentiate brands

Vikings: Marauders. Barbarians. Colonizers. Cat fanciers.

Viking With Cat

Bühler hosts Scale-Up Day to connect food tech innovators, industry partners

Event brought together mature start-ups and global food system leaders to accelerate sustainable innovation and commercialization.

Thierry Duvanel, director of innovation at Bühler North America, addresses the crowd at Scale-Up Day on June 25 in Uzwil, Switzerland.

Market Trends and Reports

General Mills pet foods up 4% to US$2.5 billion in FY25

General Mills executives stated that the segment improved its competitiveness, including growing market share in dog food, which represented 60% of its U.S. retail sales.

Chat Gpt Image Jun 27, 2025, 07 46 06 Am

ProAmpac partners with university to develop fiber-based packaging

Collaboration with Western Michigan University supports curbside recyclable and compostable packaging innovations.

Pet food automation delivers quality gains and labor cost savings

During a recent Ask the Petfood Pro, Caleb Townsend with APEC noted that automated systems help manufacturers improve consistency while addressing workforce challenges and regulatory compliance needs.

Pet food manufacturers are implementing automation across multiple production stages, with particularly significant impact in batching, blending, and mixing operations.

Barrett Petfood leaders named 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year Heartland winners

Tom Barrett and Sarah Barrett Reiner recognized for growth and innovation in premium pet food manufacturing.

Heat and Control acquires Fabcon Food Systems

Acquisition adds UK-based food equipment manufacturer to strengthen Heat and Control’s global footprint and product offering.

The Fabcon Food System team.

Bipartisan bill aims to protect agriculture against cyber threats

The bipartisan Cybersecurity in Agriculture Act, introduced by Reps. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) and Don Davis (D-North Carolina), aims safeguard the agricultural economy from cyber threats by harnessing the expertise of land-grant universities.

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