ORRVILLE, OHIO — The J.M. Smucker Company on June 2 announced the appointment of Rob Ferguson, former interim president of the company’s pet food and snacks business, to senior vice president and general manager of pet food and pet snacks.

Ferguson stepped into his former interim role in November 2019 after Dave Lemmon exited the company, effective December 2019. Ferguson will now lead the company’s pet product segment, reporting to John Brase, chief operating officer of Smucker’s, who joined the company in March.

"Rob has a thorough understanding of the pet food and pet snacks industry and has articulated a compelling vision to grow our brands," said Mark Smucker, president and chief executive officer of Smucker’s. "His experience and passion for the category, paired with his track record of consistently delivering results on key initiatives, made him the clear choice to lead the business."

Ferguson offers 15 years of pet category leadership experience. He was an executive leader of Big Heart Pet Brands before it was acquired by The J.M. Smucker Company in 2015. Ferguson has also served as a company officer for Smucker’s in which he oversaw supply chain enterprise.

Ferguson serves on the Pet Food Institute, Consumer Brands Association and The Food Industry Association’s leadership councils.

"I have been impressed with the work Rob has done to energize our pet food and pet snacks business," Brase said. "I look forward to continue working closely with him to ensure our brands experience consistent growth."

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.