Senior Leadership Transition at Petmate

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After a long, successful career in the consumer products industry, Joe Messner has retired, handing over the day-to-day responsibilities to new Petmate CEO Alice Tillett.

Messner will assume the role of chairman.

“Alice will be a great asset to Petmate,” said Messner. “She is a proven leader in the consumer goods industry who will continue to accelerate our growth strategies, and I look forward to working with her during this transition.”

Tillett takes over the reins at Petmate with more than 20 years of leadership and a track record of growth with national retailers. She most recently served as president of Pacific Bicycle, a division of Dorel Industries, where she led the company to record sales and exciting new product introductions under its umbrella of brand names, including Schwinn, Mongoose, Pacific, Roadmaster and more.

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Prior to that, she served in leadership positions for several large consumer brands including Gibson Greetings, Rubbermaid and Huffy Bicycle.

“It is an honor to work with Joe and the entire Petmate team,” said Tillett. “For 50 years, Petmate has been creating innovative and functional products that bring joy to pet families. I am confident that together we will continue to build strong customer partnerships and increase consumer loyalty.”

The company said Messner has been instrumental in accelerating Petmate’s growth and innovation through marketing-driven brand initiatives, new product development and acquisitions. He joined the company in 2011, when it was sold to Wind Point Partners the same year.