Freshpet, Inc. announced that president and co-founder Scott Morris will transition from operating responsibilities to an advisory role on Oct. 20, 2026 — the company's 20th anniversary. Morris will remain available as an advisor for 18 months following the transition.
Current chief operating officer Nicki Baty will assume the title of president & COO upon Morris's departure, continuing to report to chief executive officer Billy Cyr and overseeing commercial operations and supply chain. Morris's innovation responsibilities will move to a newly created chief innovation officer role.
"When we started Freshpet nearly 20 years ago, we simply wanted to build the kind of pet food company we wished existed," said Morris. "We believed pets deserved fresh food, retailers deserved a better partner, and employees deserved a company with a real sense of purpose.
"What happened next exceeded what we originally imagined," he continued. "I have had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary people to build something that matters — to pets, pet parents, employees, partners and communities. Looking around today, I could not be more confident in Freshpet's future. We have a talented team, a strong business, and tremendous opportunities ahead of us."
Morris said Freshpet has been an amazing adventure.
"I am incredibly proud of what we have built together and proud to leave a great company and great business in the hands of an amazing group of people," he said. "The leadership team, employees and partners who will carry Freshpet forward are ready to write the next chapter. While I am transitioning away from my operating responsibilities at Freshpet, I plan to remain supportive however I can in the years ahead. I look forward to watching Freshpet continue to grow, innovate and make an even bigger impact on pets and the people who love them."
Freshpet also announced the promotion of Thembi Machaba, current chief human resources officer, to the additional role of chief administrative officer, effective immediately. In her expanded capacity, Machaba will take on responsibility for sustainability initiatives, community relations, property management, corporate security and key management processes.
The transition follows a succession plan that has been in place for several years, according to the company.
Morris co-founded Freshpet in 2006 alongside Cathal Walsh and John Phelps. The company has grown to more than $1 billion in annual sales, holds a position among the top five dog food brands in the U.S., operates three manufacturing kitchens and employs approximately 1,300 people worldwide. Baty joined the company two years ago as part of the leadership succession plan.
"For nearly 20 years, Scott and I have shared the challenges, setbacks, risks and victories that come with building a company from scratch," said Cathal Walsh, co-founder and managing director of Europe. "Scott has always believed that if you take care of pets, people and partners, good things happen. That philosophy helped shape the culture and values that define Freshpet today.
"While I will miss working alongside him every day, I am grateful for his friendship and partnership and proud of everything we built together," continued Walsh. "The foundation is strong, and I am confident Freshpet's best days are still ahead."
Last year, Freshpet opened a Commercial Center of Excellence in Bedminster, N.J. The facility includes environmentally sustainable features, dog daycare and employee-focused amenities.
"It is impossible to overstate the contributions and impact that Scott has had on the Freshpet business over the past 20 years, said Walter George, chair of Freshpet's board of directors. "Our products, marketing and the passion for pets, people and planet all have Scott's fingerprints all over them, and we are forever grateful. While a founder always plays a special role for a company, we believe we have built a very strong team that is well positioned to continue driving significant growth and fulfilling Freshpet's mission."
Billy Cyr, Freshpet's CEO, added, "Scott's passion for the Freshpet business and his relentless drive to innovate have been instrumental in making Freshpet what it is today. We are deeply indebted to him for all he has done to inspire and create this company and wish him well in his next adventures. He has helped grow and develop the team, who are experienced and highly capable of continuing to deliver growth and innovation. Scott will be leaving us in a very good position and will remain available to us as an advisor. I'd also like to congratulate Nicki and Thembi on their new roles. Both are well deserved and provide us the leadership strength that we will need to continue our mission."
