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PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc., announces the addition of two new Vice Presidents and an in-house Veterinarian to the company's management team, further strengthening their position for future development and growth as well as their long-term commitment to animal care.

Doug Beeuwsaert joins the company as Vice President of the newly created Internal Audit Department. This department will perform audits to help the company determine its objectives are met and improve the effectiveness of risk evaluation, internal control and governance processes. The internal audit function will report directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

"I'm very excited about joining such a well-established and growing company," Beeuwsaert said. "I'm looking forward to working with the management team and the Board to ensure PETCO's success in executing its corporate governance responsibilities."

Beeuwsaert brings close to 15 years of internal auditing experience to PETCO, primarily in the retailing and manufacturing industries. Previously, he was the Assistant Vice President, Internal Audit at HomeBase/House2Home, and held various audit positions at Furon Company and Rockwell International.

"Doug's professional background makes him the ideal candidate to lead this initiative," Myers said. "His oversight abilities and the independence of this function will help ensure PETCO's commitment to corporate governance while we continue to execute our successful growth strategy."

In addition, Gilbert Smith has joined PETCO as Vice President of Inventory Management, bringing with him more than 20 years of supply chain and inventory management experience with companies such as Trak Auto Corp., World Kitchen and Factory Auto Parts. He has been responsible for inventory management, analytics, purchasing and systems development with each of these firms, achieving success in inventory reductions, increased turns and cost savings.

"I am very pleased to be joining PETCO," Smith said. "PETCO is a great company, with a strong focus on animal care, and is well positioned to capitalize on industry growth opportunities."

Bob Brann, PETCO's Senior Vice President of Merchandising, said, "Gil's proven track record will help PETCO maximize the efficiency of our supply chain, while at the same time enhancing our strong commitment to customer service and satisfaction."

Smith will report directly to Brann.

Thomas M. Edling, DVM, MSpVM, has also joined PETCO, building on the company's ongoing commitment to quality animal care, in the position of Director of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Edling received his BS from Texas A&M University in 1981 and his degree in veterinary medicine from Colorado State University, and was on the faculty of the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. In addition, Dr. Edling was selected for and completed the American Board of Veterinary Practitioner's only residency program for Companion and Wild Avian Medicine and Surgery, at North Carolina State University, where he also received his Master in Specialized Veterinary Medicine (MSpVM) in 2001.

"We're very excited to have Dr. Edling on board," Vice President of Animal Care & Education Sara Raleigh said. "He will build upon our existing partnerships with our consulting veterinarians and local store veterinarians, as well as enhance our animal care training and procedures in our stores."

Dr. Edling is PETCO's first Director of Veterinary Medicine, and will report directly to Raleigh.

"I view my job through the eyes of the animals at PETCO," Dr. Edling said. "I am looking forward to being an animal advocate, ensuring that Animals Always Come First."

PETCO is a leading specialty retailer of premium pet food and supplies, with a commitment to quality animal care and education. PETCO's strategy is to offer its customers a complete assortment of pet-related products and services at competitive prices, with superior levels of customer service at convenient locations, by hiring pet lovers and training them to become counselors to our pet-loving customers. PETCO generated net sales of $1.48 billion in the fiscal year ended February 1, 2003. It operates more than 605 neighborhood stores in 43 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading destination for on-line pet food and supplies at www.petco.com . The PETCO Foundation, PETCO's non-profit organization, has raised more than $11 million since inception in 1999. More than 1,400 non-profit grassroots animal welfare organizations from around the nation have received support from the Foundation.

SOURCE: PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.