Can new leadership help Petco maintain its industry edge amid rising competition? As the pet care giant navigates a competitive market, it has appointed three seasoned executives to drive growth and innovation. With fresh perspectives in finance, merchandising, and customer strategy, Petco is making bold moves to strengthen its position in the evolving pet industry.
Who is Sabrina Simmons, CFO?
Sabrina Simmons is a highly accomplished financial executive with extensive experience in corporate finance, strategic planning, and retail leadership. Before joining Petco as Chief Financial Officer, she served on its board of directors since 2021, gaining deep insights into the company’s operations.
She previously spent nearly two decades at Gap, Inc., where she held multiple senior finance roles, including Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (2008–2017). During her tenure, she played a key role in the Company’s financial transformation, driving operational efficiency and shareholder value.
Earlier in her career, she served as CFO and board member at Sygen International and held treasury leadership positions at Levi Strauss & Co. Beyond Petco, Simmons serves on the boards of Columbia Sportswear, Moloco, and Coursera and previously advised e.l.f. Beauty and Williams-Sonoma.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley and an MBA from UCLA Anderson, bringing a wealth of financial and strategic expertise to Petco. If you are interested in business strategy or financial analysis, professional writing assistance might be helpful for your research or studies.
Who is Michael Romanko, CCO?
Michael Romanko is a veteran retail executive with over 30 years of experience in merchandising, branding, and product development. He most notably served as Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer at Five Below, Inc., where he played a pivotal role in the company’s explosive growth over a decade.
Under his leadership, Five Below expanded its merchandising strategy and product innovation, contributing to a significant increase in sales. Before Five Below, Romanko held key executive roles focused on product development and sourcing, honing his expertise in trend identification and retail strategy.
His deep industry knowledge and ability to drive consumer engagement have made him a recognized leader in the retail space.
Who is Jack Stout, CMO?
Jack Stout has built an impressive career in merchandising, category management, and strategic retail leadership. He spent over two decades at 7-Eleven, where he started as an Operations Planning Manager in 2003 and steadily climbed the ranks.
Over the years, he held roles as vice president of business and financial planning and senior vice president of merchandising before becoming executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. In this role, he was instrumental in overseeing category management, fresh food innovation, and product strategy for one of the world’s largest convenience store chains.
Before transitioning to the retail industry, Stout served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, achieving the rank of Captain. His background in operations, logistics, and leadership has given him a strategic approach to retail management.
With a keen eye for consumer trends and a strong foundation in business planning, he has consistently driven growth and innovation throughout his career.
Petco - A Global Pioneer in Pet Health and Wellness
Founded in 1965, Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. (NASDAQ: WOOF) is a leading pet care retailer offering premium pet products, veterinary services, and grooming. With over 1,500 locations across the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, Petco has expanded its footprint beyond traditional retail, integrating digital commerce and in-store veterinary care.
The company reported $1.51 billion in net revenue in Q3 2024, reflecting 1.2% year-over-year growth. However, it faces competition from e-commerce giants like Chewy and Amazon, as well as independent pet specialty retailers.
Petco’s market strategy emphasizes exclusive brands, pet wellness services, and strategic partnerships. It also operates Petco Love, a nonprofit that has helped facilitate nearly 7 million pet adoptions. Despite market volatility, Petco remains a dominant player in the estimated $150 billion U.S. pet industry.
Petco Appoints Three New Executives to Strengthen Leadership Team
Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. has appointed Sabrina Simmons as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Michael Romanko as Chief Customer and Product Officer (CCO), and Jack Stout as Chief Merchandising Officer (CMO). These strategic hires are part of Petco’s efforts to accelerate operational improvements and drive a return to profitable growth.
Simmons succeeds Brian LaRose, who will remain in an advisory role until April 30, 2025, to ensure a smooth transition. Her extensive financial leadership experience, including her tenure as CFO at Gap, Inc., will be instrumental in refining Petco’s financial strategy.
Romanko, a seasoned retail executive with a strong background in product development and merchandising at Five Below, will oversee customer engagement, marketing, and global sourcing. Stout, formerly EVP and CMO at 7-Eleven, has been Petco’s Interim Chief Merchandising Officer since July 2024 and now officially steps into the role.
CEO Joel Anderson emphasized that these appointments bring “robust retail expertise” to support key growth initiatives. The executive shake-up follows the 2024 hirings of Glenn Murphy (Executive Chairman), Anderson (CEO), Holly May (CHRO), and Joe Venezia (CRO), further solidifying Petco’s leadership transformation.
Navigating Industry Challenges
Petco’s latest leadership shake-up signals a decisive push toward revitalizing its growth strategy in an evolving pet care market. With experienced executives now at the helm, the company is positioning itself to navigate industry challenges, enhance customer engagement, and solidify itself as a leader in the booming pet wellness sector.
