SECAUCUS, NJ. — Freshpet Inc. announced three personnel appointments June 28. According to the fresh pet food company, the personnel will play a key role in its operational improvement and expansion plans.

Christopher Kraus has been appointed chief information officer. He has more than 20 years of technology and executive experience and most recently served as chief information officer at Golden Touch Group, where he helped modernize the company’s technology footprint. Kraus will leverage his experience in  re-platforming systems, cloud migration, cybersecurity and long-term growth to align Freshpet’s technologies in order to advance its business goals.

Nishu Patel has joined Freshpet as vice president of corporate controller. She has 15 years of experience in SEC reporting, Sarbanes-Oxley Act requirements, public offerings, acquisition and divestiture accounting, joint venture transactions, a variety of accounting standards and more. Patel will leverage her background in public accounting to help Freshpet resolve complex accounting matters, review its SEC filings, and ensure its statements and disclosures meet US GAAP and SEC regulations.

Wyatt Hassel has joined Freshpet as vice president of manufacturing. He has 25 years of experience in manufacturing and CPG operations with a focus on production and supply chain. Hassle previously served as general manger of master planning and production control at H.E.B Grocery Company, where he oversaw production operations across 13 facilities and led product improvement efforts.

According to Freshpet, Kraus, Patel and Hassel will strengthen its financial, manufacturing and operational expertise to support its significant growth in the pet food and treat market. The company’s operational improvement plan has already helped Freshpet improve its quality, logistics, fill rates and margin expansion, according to Billy Cyr, chief executive officer of the company.

“Freshpet is committed to improving performance and expanding organizational capabilities,” he said. “Each of these new hires will significantly impact our business and help to support our operational momentum.”

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.