TORONTO — Open Farm announced Oct. 5 the appointment of its inaugural chief marketing officer, Mark Sapir. Sapir will be tasked with supporting the company’s growth trajectory, leading its brand and retail marketing, innovation, e-commerce and digital media operations, as well as managing corporate communications.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Mark to the Open Farm team,” said Isaac Langleben, chief executive officer at Open Farm. “Mark is a seasoned industry veteran with a proven track record for successfully scaling impactful pet food brands. His passion for pets and for continuous innovation in our industry is infectious and lines up perfectly with our mission and the culture we’re building. We’re confident that adding Mark to the team will accelerate our momentum as Open Farm enters our next exciting phase of growth.”

Mark Sapir, chief marketing officer at Open Farm. (Source: Open Farm) 

Sapir most recently served as chief marketing officer of Stella & Chewy’s since 2016, where he helped transform the raw-focused pet nutrition brand into a fast-growing force.

Prior to Stella & Chewy’s, Sapir also served a vice president of marketing at Merrick Pet Care, Inc. for three years, during which time the company nearly tripled its sales. His previous career experience includes senior-level marketing positions with The Topps Company, Atkins Nutritionals, Inc., Kraft Foods and Hormel Foods.

“I’m proud to join the Open Farm team and further support its efforts to build the business around respecting animal welfare and the environment,” said Sapir. “Open Farm has set incredible, industry-leading standards when it comes to quality and transparency in the pet food category. As the business enters its next phase of growth, I’m excited to join Open Farm and share in its profound mission.”

In January, Open Farm raised more than $65 million in investments led by General Atlantic. The company has also committed to “decarbonize” in an effort to significantly reduce its carbon footprint by 2030.

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.