SAN DIEGO — Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. announced May 28 the appointment of several people to its executive leadership team. The shuffle comes after Ron Coughlin, former chief executive officer, stepped down in March, at which point board member Mike Mohan assumed the interim CEO role.
According to Petco, the leadership team expansion reflects the retailer’s efforts to “simplify decision making, focus on fewer and clearer priorities, and empower the organization to move with greater speed and agility.”
“Today’s changes to our leadership team will accelerate Petco’s initiatives to drive retail excellence as we execute on our operational reset,” Mohan said. “Across the business, we are streamlining the organization to empower faster and more effective implementation of best practices on the path to restoring our profitability.”
James Roth has been tapped as chief stores officer, reporting to Mohan. Roth will be tasked with managing operations across Petco’s store network in the United States and Puerto Rico. He formerly served as executive vice president of stores for Abercrombie & Fitch Co., where he led teams at more than 800 stores across 16 countries. Roth brings two decades of senior retail experience to his new role at Petco.
Justin Tichy, chief operating officer, will be departing Petco and his former position will be eliminated.
Shari White has been named interim chief merchant, where she will aid the company’s internal and external search for a permanent chief merchant. White joined Petco six years ago from Perrigo, where she served as director of sales for Target. She has served in various merchandising and brand management positions across Unilever and Target throughout her career.
Additionally, Amy College, chief merchandising and supply chain officer, will be departing from Petco, effective Aug. 17.
“I want to thank Justin and Amy for their years of service to Petco,” Mohan added. “They have been instrumental in the development of our omnichannel pet health and wellness ecosystem, while supporting our purpose to improve the lives of pets, pet parents and Petco partners.”
In all, five individuals will join Petco’s executive leadership team:
- Tim Buckenberger, senior vice president of merchandise planning, inventory and supply chain
- Steve Janowiak, vice president of digital
- Stephen Reyes, senior vice president of services
- James Roth, chief stores officer
- Shari White, interim chief merchant
These announcements follow several personnel updates from Petco over the last six months, including the appointment of Glenn Murphy to executive chairman of the board, and the appointment of Holly May to chief human resources officer in February.
Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.
