ORLANDO, FLA. — H&H Group, parent company of pet nutrition brands Zesty Paws and Solid Gold Pet, appointed Rafi Kalachian to chief executive officer of the company’s North America division. Kalachian succeeds Steve Ball.

Kalachian has more than 25 years of experience leading several consumer-oriented businesses. Prior to joining H&H Group, he served as vice president of marketing for Health Extension Pet Care and also held several senior roles at Canidae Pet Food and Mars Petcare’s NUTRO brand. He has also worked for well-known brands Sony Music Entertainment and Nissan Motor Company.

“I am honored to serve as H&H Group’s new CEO of North America and look forward to working with such impactful and iconic brands,” Kalachian said.

With the appointment of Kalachian, H&H Group hopes to expand all its brands, which span baby and adult care to pet nutrition.

“I’m pleased to welcome Rafi to H&H Group North America,” said Akash Bedi, chief strategy and operations officer at the company. “He has years of experience in the pet industry, is a strong strategic and creative thinker, and has a vast knowledge of growing consumer businesses — a perfect skillset for leading the organization into the next phase of growth. We want to extend our gratitude to Steve for his years of commitment, and his continued support of these brands.”

Ball served as chief executive officer of Zesty Paws from August 2019 to October 2021 and played a key role in H&H Group North America’s overall growth.

“It's been an amazing experience and privilege to lead Zesty Paws and Solid Gold, and subsequently the H&H North America brands,” Ball said. “As the time has come for me to transition this role, I couldn't be more excited for Rafi and the team.”

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.