WASHINGTON — The Pet Food Institute (PFI) recently announced its 2023 board chair and officers, as well as the promotion of its personnel.

PFI’s new chair will be Nina Leigh Krueger, president of Nestlé Purina PetCare North America. Krueger has worked for Purina for 30 years and recently served as vice chair of PFI’s board. She was appointed Purina’s first female chief executive officer in November 2020.

“I look forward to working with fellow board officers and members to further our shared commitment to help pets live long, healthy lives and strengthen the human-pet bond,” Krueger said. “Collaboration and transparency are cornerstones of PFI’s mission and critical as we work together to earn the trust of pet parents every day.”

New board members of the institute include:

  • Scott Salmon, president of Simmons Pet Food Inc., who will serve as vice chair
  • Nicki Baty, president of Hill’s Pet Nutrition US, who will serve as secretary
  • Rod Troni, global chief marketing officer of Champion Petfoods, who will serve as treasurer, and
  • Scott Morris, president and chief executive officer of Freshpet, who will serve as personnel officer

“We are excited about our 2023 board officers, who will each bring diverse experience and expertise to PFI’s board,” said Dana Brooks, president and chief executive officer. “These board members will work diligently to represent the interests of all pet food makers, who work hard every day to produce safe, nutritious pet food for America’s pets.”

Alongside 2023 board members, PFI also promoted Nat Davies to vice president of business operations and programs. He originally joined the institute nearly nine years ago and most recently served as senior director of business operations and programs. In his new role, Davies will manage PFI’s day-to-day operations, leading its financial and operational activities. Davies also manages the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)’s Market Access Program (MAP).

“Nat’s promotion is well deserved and is in recognition of his exemplary service for the past years to PFI’s members, staff and the entire pet food industry,” Brooks said.

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.