Erin Strait is new scientific head at bee vaccine maker Dalan

Dalan Animal Health, a biotechnology company developing vaccines that leverage innate immunity, has announced the appointment of Erin Strait, DVM, PhD, as chief scientific officer. Dr Strait, who took charge on January 27, brings extensive experience in the veterinary biologics development and will lead the company’s expanding research and development initiatives from its headquarters in Athens, Georgia, USA, Dalan Animal Health said in a press release. Dr Strait has joined Dalan Animal Health from Ceva...

Browning named Royal Canin’s US retail business head

Royal Canin, one of the billion-dollar brands owned by pet and human foods giant Mars, Inc., has named Stanley Browning general manager of the U.S. Pet Specialty Retail and Omnichannel business unit for Royal Canin North America, effective September 9. He is now also part of the Royal Canin North America leadership team. Browning joined Royal Canin in 2013, serving in various roles across Asia, most recently as general manager for Royal Canin Korea. Prior...

PetSmart CFO holds the fort as CEO steps down

PetSmart LLC, a well-known retailer offering products, services, and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets, announced on Monday that J.K. Symancyk had stepped down as president, chief executive officer, and board member with immediate effect. Alan Schnaid, who has been the company’s executive vice-president and chief financial officer since 2017, has taken over as interim president and chief executive officer until a successor is in place. The company said in a release that the...

Wu heads VCA Animal Hospitals as Lavender takes up transformation at Mars Veterinary Health

VCA Animal Hospitals, a global leader in comprehensive veterinary services and part of Mars Veterinary Health, has announced the appointment of Patty Wu as president effective this month. Wu succeeds Todd Lavender, DVM, who, after 20 years at VCA, becomes chief transformation officer at Mars Veterinary Health. “I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Dr Lavender for many years, and throughout this time, he has encouraged our teams to lead in medical quality, spread the...

Paul Tonnesen appointed CEO at Petmate, succeeds Alice Tillett

Paul Tonnesen has been named chief executive officer of Petmate, a leading supplier and manufacturer of pet products in the USA. He takes over from Alice Tillett, who led the company through a decade of strong growth. Tillett will stay on in a consulting capacity to ensure a smooth transition, the company based in Arlington, Texas, said in a press release on Tuesday. Tonnesen, previously chief executive officer of Oregon Tool and group global president...