PIJAC Hires Vice President of Government Affairs

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The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council hired Robert Likins as its new vice president of government affairs.

“Bob is an ideal choice to serve as vice president,” said Ed Sayres, president and CEO of PIJAC. “While his legislative skills have served PIJAC extremely well since joining us, this also allows us to make use of his leadership abilities.”

Likins joined PIJAC as director of government affairs after his retirement from the United States Army in August of 2014. Since joining PIJAC he has built coalitions, engaged lawmakers, participated in government task forces and testified on behalf of the pet trade at the local, state and federal level.

“I am honored by the faith that PIJAC’s leadership and board of directors have placed in me,” said Likins. “We have a great team and I look forward to helping to chart the organization’s way forward in the days to come. I expect that we will continue to improve on an already stellar record of success.”

Likins’ new role will see him shaping strategy and implementing efforts to promote responsible pet ownership and animal well-being, foster environmental stewardship and ensure the availability of pets. He will maintain a portfolio covering virtually all aspects of the pet trade, from retail restrictions to tax issues to regulations on invasive and endangered species to international trade agreements.

“Given his background, I was not surprised that Bob was able to hit the ground running when it comes to legislative engagement. What really impressed me has been his ability to plan strategically – to identify and address threats and opportunities – so soon after joining the team,” said Mike Bober, executive vice president for PIJAC.