FRANKLIN, TENN. — On Feb. 16, Red Collar Pet Foods, a national contract pet food and treats manufacturer, announced that Jim Cohen will assume the role of president and chief executive officer. Since November 2021, Cohen has served as the company’s interim president and chief executive officer. He succeeds Chris Hamilton, previous president and chief executive officer.

According to the company, Cohen brings a wealth of experience from the packaged consumer goods industry. For more than 30 years, he has served in leadership roles throughout operations, supply chain and procurement areas of businesses. Cohen has also spent more than 20 years in the pet nutrition, confectionery and food sectors of Mars, Inc.

Jim Cohen, president and chief executive officer of Red Collar Pet Foods. (Source: Red Collar Pet Foods)

“Jim’s unique mix of deep operational expertise at globally renowned brands, entrepreneurial experience and strategic advisement in the consumer package goods industry fit perfectly with Red Collar’s next phase of growth,” said Tim Fallon, senior operating partner of Arbor Investments and chairman of Red Collar. “We are thrilled he has joined to lead Red Collar at a pivotal time in this growing industry.”

Private equity Arbor Investments acquired the company from Mars Petcare US, Inc. in December 2018. The private equity continued its investment into Red Collar in February 2019 with the acquisition of Hampshire Pet Products, a pet treat manufacturer in Joplin, MO., expanding into the treats market.

Cohen holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and is currently a board member for meat snack manufacturer Western Smokehouse Partners and business advisor for veterinary resource Relief Rover.

“In just four months serving as interim president and chief executive officer, I have been thoroughly impressed by the dedication of Red Collar associates and the commitment by Arbor in the company’s mission to be the preferred co-manufacturing partner for our customers and the pets they serve,” Cohen said. “We will continue to build the business, capitalizing on the significant achievements made since Arbor’s initial investment, with a focus on profitable growth and the bright future providing high-quality, nutritious and safe pet products.”

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.