AMARILLO, Texas and EVANSTON, Ill. – Merrick Pet Care, Inc., has appointed current president and marketing executive Timothy (“Tim”) Simonds as chief executive officer of the company. He brings 27 years of brand strategy and consumer marketing experience to this new role.

Simonds joined Merrick in 2016 as vice president of marketing and became president of the company two years later. Previously, he served as chief marketing and engagement officer at the Kellogg School of Management. He held various leadership positions at General Electric and United Airlines after beginning his career in brand management and sales for Procter & Gamble.

“There couldn’t be a better time for a collaborative and results-driven leader like Tim to bring new energy and focus to this business,” said Greg Shearson, former chief executive officer, Merrick. “The natural and organic pet care industry has become fiercely competitive in recent years, and Tim’s ability to inspire others and build advocacy for our brands will help continue to win the hearts and minds of the pet specialty shopper.”

Shearson will remain at Merrick to help transition and advise Simonds and represent the company on the Pet Food Institute board. Under Shearson’s leadership, Merrick grew from a niche brand in 2011 to become one of the top natural brands in the pet specialty retail channel today. Shearson, and his leadership team, helped Merrick become one of the fastest-growing businesses in the US in recent years. The company is expected to surpass $500 million in sales for 2018. 

Merrick Pet Care is based in Amarillo, Texas, and is focused on the specialty segment of the pet food market, producing natural, organic and premium products under a variety of brands.

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.