NEW YORK — Better Choice Company appointed Kent Cunningham to chief executive officer on May 11. Cunningham will assume the role, effective May 22.

“I am honored and grateful to the board for the opportunity to lead Better Choice and this team of talented and passionate professionals,” Cunningham said. “As an obsessed pet parent and executive in the pet food market, I know first-hand the impact that food can have on the health and happiness of our pets, and I have long admired the Halo brand for its 30-year commitment to using only the highest quality natural ingredients to deliver the best science-based pet nutrition on the market.”

Cunningham has more than 25 years of experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG) and health and wellness, as well as marketing and sales. Prior to joining Better Choice, he served as chief executive officer of 1440 Foods, an active nutrition company, and general manager at the Bountiful Company, a dietary supplement company. He also held various positions at Mars Petcare from 2006 to 2013.

“I am excited to build on that foundation and further Halo’s mission to bring more joy to pets and pet parents everywhere,” Cunningham said. “I look forward to working closely with the board and the broader team to capitalize on our opportunities ahead and increase shareholder value.”

Cunningham replaces former CEO Scott Lerner, who stepped down from Better Choice in September 2022. Closely following this, the company detailed a restructuring, laying off 25% of its workforce in order to “streamline” its operations.

“We are very pleased to have Kent take over the leadership of Better Choice following the restructuring that the company has executed,” said Lionel Conacher, interim chief executive officer of the company. “We are confident that with his leadership the company can successfully resume its growth trajectory.”

Cunningham’s appointment follows Better Choice’s latest financial results, detailing a difficult fourth quarter and news that it would be seeking “strategic alternatives” for the business.

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.