Petco adds 5 people to its leadership team

SAN DIEGO – Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. announced on May 28 the appointment of several people to its management team. The reshuffle occurred after former CEO Ron Coughlin stepped down in March and board member Mike Mohan took over as interim CEO.

According to Petco, the expansion of its leadership team reflects the retailer’s efforts to “simplify decision-making, focus on fewer and clearer priorities, and enable the organization to operate with greater speed and agility.”

“Today’s changes to our leadership team will accelerate Petco’s initiatives to improve retail excellence following an operational reset,” Mohan said. “Across the company, we are streamlining the organization to enable faster and more effective implementation of best practices on the path to restoring our profitability.”

James Roth was appointed director of stores, reporting to Mohan. Roth will be tasked with managing operations for the Petco chain of stores in the United States and Puerto Rico. He previously served as executive vice president of stores at Abercrombie & Fitch Co., where he led teams in more than 800 stores in 16 countries. Roth brings two decades of retail experience to his new role at Petco.

Justin Tichy, chief operating officer, will leave Petco and his previous position will be eliminated.

Shari White has been appointed interim chief commercial officer and will assist the company with its internal and external search for a permanent chief commercial officer. White joined Petco six years ago from Perrigo, where she was director of sales at Target. Throughout her career, she has held various merchandising and brand management positions at Unilever and Target.

Additionally, Amy College, director of merchandising and supply chain, will leave Petco, effective August 17.

“I want to thank Justin and Amy for their years of service to Petco,” Mohan added. “They have played a key role in growing our omnichannel pet health and wellness ecosystem while supporting our goal of improving the lives of pets, their pet parents and Petco partners.”

A total of five people will join Petco’s leadership team:

• Tim Buckenberger, senior vice president of merchandise, inventory and supply chain planning
• Steve Janowiak, VP of Digital
• Stephen Reyes, senior vice president of services
• James Roth, Director of Stores
• Shari White, Interim Chief Merchandiser

These announcements follow several personnel updates by Petco over the past six months, including the appointment of Glenn Murphy as president of the board and the appointment of Holly May as chief human resources officer in February.

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.