Dive Brief:
- In a number of leadership announcements, Petco said on Tuesday that Chief Operating Officer and President of Services Mike Nuzzo will exit his position after more than seven years with the company, according to a press release.
- Chief Pet Care Center Officer Justin Tichy has been named COO, and will take on additional responsibility for logistics, including the oversight of the company’s distribution centers. Tichy will continue to run Petco’s 1,400 Pet Care Centers in the U.S.
- Chief Merchandising Officer Amy College will also take on demand planning in an expanded role, while Senior Vice President of Services Jason Heffelfinger has been promoted to chief services officer. Chief Digital and Innovation Officer Darren MacDonald will take on an expanded role as chief customer officer.
Dive Insight:
Petco’s leadership overhaul is part of its effort to serve customers better. The retailer noted that it has more than 200 veterinary hospitals and serves more than 24 million customers.
“These appointments and our organizational design are emblematic of our focus on putting the customer and data at the center of everything we do as we meet the customer need of a single partner for the health and wellness needs of their pet,” Petco CEO Ron Coughlin said in a statement. “It also manifests our dedication to driving operational excellence. Lastly, it highlights the tremendous talent we have at Petco and our focus on developing that talent.”
The company has shaken up its leadership after reaching record revenues last year. In 2021, Petco saw an 18% jump in net revenue compared to 2020. Its net income rose to $159.8 million, up from a net loss of $31.7 million the year prior.
Besides hiring and promoting retail veterans, Petco has also focused on expanding its brick-and-mortar footprint with several new concepts. Last year, the retailer unveiled a flagship location for its Reddy private label in the SoHo neighborhood of New York City. Earlier this year, the retailer announced plans to open shop-in-shops within Lowe’s locations in Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina. The company also unveiled Neighborhood Farm & Pet Supply, a new rural concept slated to launch throughout this year.
