PetSmart has a new top dog
PetSmart has ended its nine-month search for a chief executive.
The pet supplies giant announced the appointment of J.K. Symancyk as CEO, effective June 11. He succeeds Michael Massey, who abruptly resigned from the company in August 2017.
Symancyk joins PetSmart from Academy Sports + Outdoors, where he has served as president and CEO since 2015. Previously, he served as president of Meijer, responsible for leading all aspects of the $16 billion retailer.
Symancyk also worked in various management and merchandising positions with Walmart, including with Sam’s Club. He brings to PetSmart deep operational experience across all areas of retail, including merchandising, consumer brand marketing, proprietary brands, services and ecommerce., the retailer said in a statement.
“The board and I are confident that J.K. has the right qualities to lead PetSmart,” said Raymond Svider, executive chairman of PetSmart and managing partner at BC Partners, which took the private in 2015. “J.K. has a 25-year track record as a proven leader, and has driven profitable growth in large, multi-channel consumer businesses. J.K. brings significant experience in managing complex retail operations, growing brands, improving operating performance and customer experience and delivering results.”
PetSmart operates more than 1,600 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as more than 200 in-store PetSmart PetsHotel dog and cat boarding facilities.
The pet supplies giant announced the appointment of J.K. Symancyk as CEO, effective June 11. He succeeds Michael Massey, who abruptly resigned from the company in August 2017.
Symancyk joins PetSmart from Academy Sports + Outdoors, where he has served as president and CEO since 2015. Previously, he served as president of Meijer, responsible for leading all aspects of the $16 billion retailer.
Symancyk also worked in various management and merchandising positions with Walmart, including with Sam’s Club. He brings to PetSmart deep operational experience across all areas of retail, including merchandising, consumer brand marketing, proprietary brands, services and ecommerce., the retailer said in a statement.
“The board and I are confident that J.K. has the right qualities to lead PetSmart,” said Raymond Svider, executive chairman of PetSmart and managing partner at BC Partners, which took the private in 2015. “J.K. has a 25-year track record as a proven leader, and has driven profitable growth in large, multi-channel consumer businesses. J.K. brings significant experience in managing complex retail operations, growing brands, improving operating performance and customer experience and delivering results.”
PetSmart operates more than 1,600 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as more than 200 in-store PetSmart PetsHotel dog and cat boarding facilities.