SAN DIEGO, Aug. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Petco today announced several key leadership changes, including the addition of Chairman responsibilities to CEO Jim Myers' role after 25 years with the company and naming Brad Weston President.
"Brad has made outstanding contributions to our company, demonstrating leadership across our business and building a world-class merchandising, marketing and store design team," said Myers. "His leadership and vision will be an asset to Petco as we continue to evolve and grow."
Previously, Weston served as Executive Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer and President, Unleashed by Petco. A seasoned retail veteran, Weston joined Petco in October 2011 as Executive Vice President, Chief Merchant, and has led the evolution of the Unleashed by Petco brand and format. Prior to joining Petco, Weston held various leadership positions in merchandising for other retailers, including Dick's Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy and May Department Stores.
Steve Lossing will succeed Tom Farello, who is retiring in 2016 after nine years as Senior Vice President, Operations. In his role, Farello has led operational strategy and execution for more than 1,400 stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including the company's Animal Care and Pet Services teams. Farello will work closely with his successor into next year on several projects before retiring. Previously, Lossing served as Senior Vice President, Merchandising and was responsible for Petco's product assortment and merchandising strategy. Prior to joining Petco, he held a number of leadership positions for J.C. Penney and other retailers.
"On behalf of the entire company, I want to thank Tom for his many contributions, especially those focused on creating a great customer experience," said Myers. "We've come a long way under Tom's leadership, and he will continue to play a key role in our future success."
Rebecca Frechette has been named Senior Vice President, Merchandising, with responsibility for all merchandising activities across Petco. Frechette will report to Brad Weston. Previously, she served as Senior Vice President, Private Brand. Prior to joining Petco, Frechette served as Senior Vice President, Merchandising for 7-Eleven.
"As Petco continues to evolve, these important leadership changes strengthen our ability to achieve our goals and move forward on key strategic initiatives, while also serving to recognize the talent and accomplishments of key leaders in our organization," said Myers. "I'm confident the expertise of our leadership team will further enable Petco to become the most complete retailer in the pet industry."
Approaching its 50th anniversary, Petco has been a part of pets' and pet parents' lives since its founding in 1965. Today, Petco employs more than 25,000 partners and operates more than 1,400 locations across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including more than 120 Unleashed by Petco locations, 10 Pooch Hotel destinations, and Petco.com. The company also now offers prescription services and pet supplies from the leading online veterinary-operated pet product supplier, Drs. Foster & Smith.
For more information about Petco, or to find a location near you, visit petco.com.
About Petco and the Petco Foundation
Celebrating 50 years of service to pet parents, Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer that focuses on nurturing powerful relationships between people and pets. We do this by providing the products, services, advice and experiences that keep pets physically fit, mentally alert, socially engaged and emotionally happy. Everything we do is guided by our vision for Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World. We operate more than 1,400 Petco locations across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including more than 120 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop; 10 Pooch Hotel destinations for pet daycare, boarding and spa services; prescription services and pet supplies from the leading veterinary-operated pet product supplier, Drs. Foster & Smith; and petco.com. The Petco Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, has raised more than $125 million since it was created in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support thousands of local animal welfare groups across the country and, through in-store adoption events, help find homes for more than 400,000 animals every year.
Petco: Lisa Stark, Lisa.Stark@petco.com, 1-858-453-7845 x2558
Edelman Public Relations: Victoria Gerken, Victoria.Gerken@edelman.com, 1-323-761-6523
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SOURCE Petco
