ORVILLE, Ohio — The J.M. Smucker Company announced plans for the retirement of Barry C. Dunaway, president, pet food and pet snacks. He will be succeeded by David J. Lemmon, president, Canada, International and U.S. away from home. In addition, upon receipt of regulatory approval and closing of the planned acquisition of Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, LLC, Jeffrey Watters, president and chief executive officer of Ainsworth, will be named senior vice president and general manager, Ainsworth, and will support the integration of the company into the Smucker pet food business as a key member of the pet leadership team.

A veteran of more than 30 years with The J.M. Smucker Company, Mr. Dunaway has led the pet food and pet snacks business since March 2016, following the company's acquisition of Big Heart Pet Brands in March 2015. While leading corporate strategy and development, Mr. Dunaway was instrumental in the company's significant growth. His retirement is effective July 31.

"Throughout his career, Barry Dunaway has made significant contributions to increasing the scale of our company and expanding the breadth of our categories and brand portfolio," said Mark T. Smucker, chief executive officer. "He has been instrumental in our growth strategy, including acquiring and building our pet business, now one of our core business areas. He has been a steward of the values that have contributed to our Company's culture and long-term success. We are grateful for his contributions over three decades and for the role he will play in the coming months to plan for the seamless integration of Ainsworth Pet Nutrition."

A 24-year veteran of the company, Dave Lemmon was named to his current position in August 2017.  Prior to leading the Canadian business, he held various sales and marketing leadership roles within the company. He joined Smucker in 1994 from Colgate Palmolive. Mr. Lemmon will assume his new responsibilities on June 25.

"Dave Lemmon is one of our most experienced general managers, with a proven track record of delivering strong results and growing the businesses and brands under his management," said Mr. Smucker. "In addition to his deep understanding of the Smucker portfolio and organization, he has extensive experience developing and managing customer relationships across a range of categories and brands, including pet food and pet snacks. We are delighted to have such a strong leader - of organizations, people and transformational change - as the head of this important business."

Jeff Watters joined Ainsworth in 2009 as executive vice president. As president and chief executive officer, he had oversight of the company's fast-growing portfolio, including its flagship brand, Rachael Ray Nutrish. Mr. Watters came to Ainsworth from Del Monte, where he served as senior vice president of the company's pet products.

"We are also grateful to have Jeff Watters' strong leadership and vast experience with pet food and snacks as we continue to grow the Ainsworth business, pending closing of the acquisition," said Mr. Smucker. "Jeff's exceptional management capabilities, proven track record of growing businesses, and delivering results are well known, and we could not have a better partner as we lay the foundation for the next phase of growth in our pet business."

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.