TEWKSBURY, MASS. — WellPet, LLC appointed Tricia DiPersio, Ph.D., as vice president of food safety, quality assurance and regulatory affairs on Sept. 20. DiPersio is a registered dietician (RD) and will help build upon and guide the company’s food safety culture.

DiPersio most recently served as executive vice president of quality assurance, food safety and regulatory compliance at D&D Consulting Group, Inc, where she implemented global safety and quality programs for food manufacturers in the United States, Europe and Asia.

She spent nine years with Panda Restaurant Group, where she led food safety and quality assurance programs. DiPersio also held positions with Target Corporation and Whole Foods, formerly Wild Oats Markets.

Tricia DiPersio, Ph.D., vice president of food safety, quality assurance and regulatory affairs for WellPet, LLC. (Photo courtesy of WellPet) 

"We know pet parents trust WellPet to provide high-quality nutrition, so every day our team is committed to building on our culture that prioritizes food safety and quality assurance above all else," said Reed Howlett, chief executive officer of WellPet. "Tricia's background is exemplary, and she is a true expert in this space. We are thrilled to bring her on board to help us take our food safety and quality initiatives to the next level."

DiPersio joins the company at a “pivotal time,” with WellPet having achieved an “A” grade accreditation from the British Retail Consortium’s Global Standard for Food Safety at its Minnesota manufacturing facility earlier this year.

She will work closely with Howlett and other senior leaders to manage global quality organization, vendor relationships, enhance safety practices and ensure regulatory compliance.

"I'm honored for this opportunity to bring my passion for food safety and quality assurance to the booming pet food industry,” DiPersio said. “As a pet parent to six, I know firsthand that nothing is more important than providing safe, premium natural nutrition to ensure the health and wellbeing of our pets. WellPet's existing commitment to safety and quality is both impressive and inspiring, and I'm looking forward to joining this exceptional team."

DiPersio earned a degree in dietetics from the University of Northern Colorado, and went on to achieve a master’s degree and doctorate in animal and food science and human nutrition with an emphasis on pathogenic microbiology from Colorado State University.

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.