SECAUCUS, NJ. — Freshpet, Inc. announced the appointment of David J. West to its board of directors on July 21. West will serve on the board’s Audit Committee.

West has more than 30 years of experience in consumer products and pet food. He currently serves as a partner at Centerview Capital Consumer and is a board member of Advantage Solutions Inc. and Simply Good Foods.

Prior to joining Freshpet, West served as chief executive officer of Big Heart Pet Brands, during which he led the company’s increased focus on growth and innovation, launching new products and enhancing its focus on specialty pet distribution channels. He also oversaw Big Heart Pet Brands’ rebrand and its eventual sale to The J.M. Smucker Company.

West also held various leadership roles at The Hershey Company including chief executive officer, president, director, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, chief customer officer and other positions.

“Dave is a highly regarded industry veteran with a track record of driving growth at the helm of pet food and consumer goods companies,” said Walt George, chair of Freshpet’s board. “We are thrilled to welcome him to the board. As Freshpet continues to build on its strong brand loyalty and growth momentum, Dave will bring valuable operating and financial insights and perspective drawn from a successful career as CEO, CFO and director at leading public companies in our industry. We look forward to leveraging his expertise to support our continued growth and create value for our shareholders.”

West will stand for election as a Class III director at Freshpet’s 2023 annual meeting of shareholders. He succeeds Charles Norris, who has retired.

“As a long-time admirer of Freshpet, I am honored to join the company’s board of directors,” West said. “I look forward to contributing my operating and financial expertise in pure play pet food and treats to the board as Freshpet executes its strategy to drive profitability and deliver long-term, sustainable value to its shareholders.”

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.