BRUSSELS, BELGIUM — The European Pet Food Federation (FEDIAF) has tapped Annet Palamba, general manager of Hill’s Pet Products’ Benelux business, as its new president.

“We are delighted to have Annet on board,” said Thomas Meyer, general secretary of FEDIAF. “She has helped guide our communications committee for two years and her support has been invaluable. I am confident that we are in very capable and experienced hands. Annet succeeds Mechthild Exner-Herforth from Mars Petcare Europe, following her two constructive years in the role.”

Palamba commented, “I am honored to take up my new role as president. Alongside the excellent secretariat team, I look forward to tackling the many challenges in these busy and exciting times for our industry. In addition to working collaboratively to ensure we continue to drive sustainability within the European Green Deal, I would like to highlight the social role of pets, promoting the many benefits of ownership. With one voice we can achieve so much.”

Palamba was appointed during FEDIAF’s first virtual annual general meeting, where 135 pet industry professionals, academia members and partners representing the Global Alliance of Pet Food Associations met to discuss “Supporting Pets in Society, Today and Tomorrow.”

“We are delighted to have welcomed so many industry representatives and guests to our unusual online conference,” Meyer said. “As always, we are proud of the way our community comes together and works collaboratively. This spirit has rarely been tested more than during the recent Covid-19 months and this commitment was recognized at the AGM.”

The virtual meeting featured several pet industry professionals, including Laura Degallaix of FoodDrinkEurope, who discussed packaging and sustainability; Joeri Van den Bergh of InSites Consulting, who spoke on consumer behavior in the era of COVID-19; and Dr. Wolfgang Trunk of the European Commission, who discussed how the importance of the food chain and sustainability has been exacerbated by the pandemic.

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.