Nestle Purina Announces Leadership Transition: W. Patrick McGinnis Named Non-Executive Chairman, To Be Succeeded By Joseph R. Sivewright as CEO

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestle Purina PetCare today announced that effective January 1, 2015, W. Patrick McGinnis will transition from his position as Chief Executive Officer, Nestle Purina PetCare for the Americas, and will be appointed as Non-Executive Chairman.  Succeeding McGinnis as CEO will be Joseph R. Sivewright, currently President, Nestle Purina PetCare North America.

McGinnis' career at Purina has spanned more than 42 years. He joined Ralston Purina in the Corporate Management Training Program and was promoted through a range of marketing assignments, becoming Head of Marketing.  He was appointed VP of Grocery Products for Canada, then CEO of Grocery Products North America and finally President and CEO of Ralston Purina in 1999. 

Under McGinnis' leadership, the company transformed itself to an industry leader known for best practices in Marketing, Supply Chain, Sales, R&D and other disciplines.  During the 2001 acquisition of Ralston Purina by Swiss-based Nestle S.A., he played an instrumental role in integrating the two organizations.   All of the initial targets set in terms of efficiency were met and exceeded, making the acquisition one of the most successful in the history of Nestle. 

In announcing the news to employees, Nestle Zone Americas Head Laurent Freixe said, "Pat has had a truly outstanding career with Ralston Purina and Nestle.  Pat's experience, judgment and wisdom have provided stability and credibility in an increasingly volatile competitive environment."   He added that McGinnis has presided over dozens of new innovations in the PetCare business, including the introductions of Beneful, Fancy Feast Appetizers and Broths, Shredded forms in dry dog food, and most recently Tidy Cats LightWeight Litter. 

McGinnis has also been heavily involved in the community, supporting numerous charities and Washington University in St. Louis. 

Incoming CEO Joe Sivewright has also been a major part of the Ralston Purina and Nestle Purina success story.  Since joining the company in 1985, he has held progressively more senior roles in Marketing on PetCare, Cereals and New Products.  He was appointed Vice President in 1995 with roles in Extended Enterprise, Worldwide Marketing, and in the Global Strategic Business Unit after the acquisition by Nestle.  He took on leadership of NPP Latin America in 2004 and turned the business around from a net loss operation to high growth and profitability, before taking the lead role for North America in 2011. Freixe added, "Joe's exceptional leadership and communication skills, and focus on people development, make him the ideal candidate to succeed Pat and continue the Nestle Purina journey." 

About Nestle Purina PetCare

Nestle Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestle Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestle S.A., a global leader in nutrition, health and wellness.

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SOURCE Nestle Purina PetCare