SAN DIEGO, Sept. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Petco today announced that it has hired John Zavada as senior vice president and chief information officer (CIO); and added William Engen to the company's leadership team as senior vice president, retail market expansion, a new role dedicated to optimizing the company's investments in new retail store growth.
"We're pleased to welcome these two proven leaders to the Petco team," said Petco CEO, Jim Myers. "I'm confident their combined experience and expertise will strengthen our ability to achieve our goals, continue to grow and further deliver on our brand promise to nurture powerful relationships between people and pets for better lives together."
As CIO, John Zavada brings an extensive background in technology leadership in the retail industry. He will be responsible for leading Petco's information technology strategies, teams and projects, including the company's business process optimization and enterprise program management office.
Before joining Petco, Zavada served as senior vice president and chief information officer at Restoration Hardware. Previously, he filled chief information officer roles at Guitar Center, Big Lots, Limited Inc., Victoria's Secret Stores, and others. He earned his bachelor's degree in business information systems from California State Polytechnic University.
"I'm thrilled to be joining Petco, a clear leader in the pet specialty retail space for more than 50 years," said Zavada. "The company is well-positioned for continued growth, with strong investments already made in leading technology solutions. I look forward to helping to maximize the return on those investments and driving ongoing business innovation and customer satisfaction through information technology."
As senior vice president, retail market expansion, William Engen brings decades of retail operations leadership experience and will be responsible for leading Petco's real estate, construction and store design functions.
Previously, Engen served as chief operating officer at Wingstop Restaurants. Previously he held various retail operations leadership roles at 7-Eleven, Circuit City, Bachrach Clothing and Saks Fifth Avenue. He earned his bachelor's degree from Northeastern Illinois University.
"As a pet parent, I understand firsthand the importance of the relationship Petco builds with its customers and their pets, particularly through the in-store retail experience," said Engen. "I'm thrilled to become part of the company's outstanding leadership team and look forward to helping shape the future of its overall retail experience."
Zavada and Engen both join Petco this month, reporting to the company's executive vice president and chief financial officer, Mike Nuzzo. For more information about Petco or to find a location near you, visit petco.com.
About Petco and the Petco Foundation
With more than 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 1,470 Petco and Unleashed by Petco locations across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico; 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 invested more than $167 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.
Contact: Lisa Stark, lisa.stark@petco.com, 858-453-7845 x22-2558
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SOURCE Petco
