Petmate Announces Senior Leadership Transition

CEO Joe Messner retires; Alice Tillett tapped as new CEO

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May 19, 2014, 06:00 ET

ARLINGTON, Texas, May 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Petmate, the nation's leading maker of innovative products pet families prefer for home, travel and play, announces the retirement of CEO Joe Messner after a long, successful career in the consumer products industry. Messner will assume the role of chairman and is handing over day-to-day responsibilities to new CEO Alice Tillett as of May 19.

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

"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."

"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."

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.

"We want to thank Joe for his leadership of Petmate over the past three years," said Wind Point Partners Managing Director Paul Peterson. "Joe has been and continues to be a great partner, and we look forward to his contributions as chairman."

About Petmate
Founded in 1963, Petmate is the nation's leading maker of innovative products pet families prefer for home, travel and play. Arlington, Texas-based Petmate is the trusted authority in functional, high-quality pet products including bedding, kennels, dog houses, feeding and watering products, litter maintenance products, toys, collars, leads and travel solutions, available at pet supply retailers nationwide. Petmate also makes pet family favorite brands Chuckit!, Wetnoz, Aspen Pet, JW and more. For more information, visit www.petmate.com.

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SOURCE Petmate