ST. LOUIS, MO. — Instinct Pet Food recently announced the appointment of Gordon Dumesich to chief executive officer, succeeding Neil Thompson, who will become chairman at the company.

During his four-year tenure as CEO, Thompson helped strengthen Instinct’s financial position, according to the company, enabling it to invest in various expansion projects. Under Thompson, Instinct invested more than $100 million in the first phase of construction of its new Center of Excellence facility, located in Lincoln, Neb.

The company has also made several advancements toward operational stability, product safety and quality and partnerships. Through Thompson’s leadership, Instinct has invested in scientific research, partnering with the University of Helsinki, to understand the benefits of raw feeding in pets.

As chairman, Thompson will help further the company’s external relationships. He’ll remain a member of Agrolimen’s Petcare Board.

Dumesich previously served as Instinct’s chief growth and marketing officer, where he built an effective commercial team, delivered consistent double-digit growth, increased market share, and helped strengthen retail partnership with a focus on the independent neighborhood channel. He has helped the company become a leader in the alternative pet food segment, which is valued at more than $1 billion, according to Instinct.

“Under Neil’s leadership we have leveraged our nutritional scientific evidence to help pet parents understand the power of minimally processed, raw nutrition,” Dumesich said. “This has propelled strong category growth and Instinct market share gains. This momentum will continue as more households hear about benefits of raw and more innovation products to make it easier for pet parents to feed what best for their pets.”

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.