BrightPet Nutrition Group has appointed Michael Krueger as permanent CEO and named Chris Hamilton as executive chairman, formalizing a leadership transition aimed at supporting the company’s long-term growth in pet food co-manufacturing and branded product development.
Krueger, who has served as interim CEO since November 2024, joined BrightPet in 2017 as chief financial officer and later served as chief operating officer. His appointment comes as the company looks to solidify its position as a co-manufacturer and provider of premium pet food and treats in the U.S. and international markets.
“It's an honor to be named CEO of BrightPet, where I have spent the past eight years of my career overseeing strong growth while working with a team of world-class professionals and partners to build a winning organization in the competitive pet industry,” Krueger said.
He added that the company will focus on operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and consistent delivery in both its co-manufacturing services and branded product portfolio. BrightPet’s brands include Stewart freeze-dried treats and Blackwood premium kibble.
Pet food vet joins BrightPet
To further support its growth initiatives, BrightPet has brought on Hamilton, whose previous roles include president and CEO of Red Collar Pet Foods and senior leadership positions at Mars, Inc. He is also the founding CEO of premium pet food startup REÁL MESA. In his new role, Hamilton will collaborate with Krueger and BrightPet’s leadership team to guide the company’s strategic direction.
“I couldn't be more excited to join this premiere platform led by a group of like-minded leaders and dedicated team members,” Hamilton said. “BrightPet has built a great reputation in the global pet space for its reliable co-manufacturing services, customer-centric approach, and ability to launch and scale quality house brands.”
The leadership update follows BrightPet’s January hiring of Al Moss as chief operating officer. Moss brings over 25 years of experience in supply chain and operations roles across multiple industries.
BrightPet is backed by private equity firm A&M Capital Partners, whose representative Ryan McCarthy expressed confidence in the new leadership structure: “Under Mike's guidance, we believe BrightPet is becoming more efficient and consolidating its focus on what the Company does best while maintaining high standards for customer satisfaction.”
Adapted from a press release.
