Merrick Pet Care appointed marketing executive and current president Timothy W. Simonds as chief executive officer.
Merrick expects to surpass US$500 million in pet food sales for 2018. Under the leadership of former CEO, Greg Shearson, Merrick grew from a niche brand in 2011 to become the #3 natural brand in the pet specialty retail channel today, according to Gfk data.
About new Merrick Pet Care CEO
Simonds started with Merrick in 2016 as vice president of marketing and was appointed president in March 2018. Prior to Merrick, Simonds was Chief Marketing and Engagement Officer at the Kellogg School of Management and held various senior leadership roles at GE and United Airlines. Simonds started his career in brand management and sales the Procter & Gamble Company.
Shearson will remain with Merrick in an advisory role to help assist Simonds with the transition. He’ll also continue to represent the company on the board of the Pet Food Institute (PFI), the voice of the U.S. pet food and treat industry.
Mergers and acquisitions involving Merrick
Merrick Pet Care, as of 2015 a subsidiary of Nestlé, continues to operate as an independent business in the natural and organic pet food space. Merrick operates primarily from three US locations: in Hereford and Amarillo, Texas; and Evanston, Illinois, according to Petfood Industry’s Top Pet Food Companies Current Data.
Earlier in 2018, Zuke’s Pet Nutrition, natural dog treats and supplements company, and Merrick Pet Care, a natural and organic pet food company, announced January 11 they are merging.
Zuke’s is currently based in Durango, Colorado, USA and will continue to have a presence there as an innovation hub. Other business functions will be consolidated within Merrick Pet Care.
Both Zuke’s and Merrick are a part of the Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Merrick continues to operate independently from Purina. The integration is expected to be completed this spring.
