Polkadog, a Boston-based dog treat company, named Jay Pusey as its new CEO following an acquisition by TAW Ventures. Pusey brings 18 years of pet industry leadership experience, including a decade-long tenure at Only Natural Pet, a PetSmart subsidiary, where he led marketing, commerce, and merchandising initiatives.
- Jay Pusey officially joined Polkadog as CEO on August 10 following the company's acquisition by TAW Ventures
- Pusey has 18 years of pet industry leadership experience, including roles at Only Natural Pet (PetSmart), PetMD, Pet360, and PetFoodDirect
- Polkadog, founded in 2002, produces dog treats and operates retail locations across Greater Boston and nationwide
- TAW Ventures, founded by Jane Lauder, focuses on investing in brands centered on pet health, wellness, and longevity
Polkadog has named Jay Pusey as chief executive officer.
Founded in Boston in 2002, Polkadog produces dog treats and is carried by pet retailers nationwide, in addition to operating retail locations across Greater Boston.
Pusey brings 18 years of pet industry leadership experience. He spent more than a decade at Only Natural Pet, a subsidiary of PetSmart, where he led initiatives across marketing, commerce and merchandising. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Pet360, PetMD and PetFoodDirect.
Pusey joins Polkadog following the company's acquisition by TAW Ventures earlier this year.
"Polkadog has built an extraordinary brand over the past two decades," said Jane Lauder, founder and managing director of TAW Ventures. "From the moment we met Jay, it was clear that he shares our appreciation for what makes Polkadog so special: the people, the products, the customers, and the incredible community that they have built. Jay's extensive experience leading pet brands focused on quality and community gives me tremendous confidence that he is the right person to lead Polkadog through this next chapter."
Pusey officially joined Polkadog on Aug. 10 and will spend his first several months meeting employees, customers and retail partners as he works with the team to shape long-term strategy.
"Polkadog is much more than a great brand; it's a company built by people who genuinely care," said Pusey. "You can see that in the products, the customer relationships, and the pride the team brings to their work every day. I've spent many years helping purpose-driven organizations grow, and I'm excited for the opportunity to make an impact alongside an exceptional team. My first priority is to listen and learn about the incredible foundation that's already here."
Pusey also served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Ukraine. He holds an MBA from the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business and a bachelor's degree in business and economics from Elon University.
TAW Ventures, founded by Lauder, invests in brands focused on pet health, wellness and longevity.
