Former Amazon exec takes helm of PetSmart’s online acquisition
The co-founder and CEO of Chewy.com, Ryan Cohen, is stepping down from role as chief executive.
PetSmart, which acquired Chewy in 2017, said that Cohen will be succeeded by Sumit Singh. Singh joined Chewy in August and has served as COO since November. Prior to that, he was director of Amazon Fresh Worldwide.
Singh will be supported by Chewy’s management team as the online retailer continues to operate largely as an independent subsidiary of PetSmart, focusing on its current business strategy.
“The past seven years have been a tremendous journey and the learning experience of a lifetime,” said Cohen. “In a short time span, Chewy has gone from a concept to disrupting and redefining an entire industry. I feel the time is right for me to pass on the torch so I can pursue personal goals and spend time with my family. I’m confident in Sumit and believe he will continue to carry on the vision of making Chewy the best and biggest pet retailer on the planet.”
Raymond Svider, a managing partner at BC Partners and executive chairman of PetSmart, called Cohen “an amazing leader who has built a unique and powerful ecommerce business with a strong culture that is laser-focused on serving the needs of customers and their pets.”
“I have full confidence that this will continue under the leadership of Sumit, a seasoned e-commerce leader who is well equipped to carry Chewy’s strategy forward and grow the company,” Svider said. “After the relentless pace of the last seven years; he has our unwavering support and we wish him well.”
PetSmart, which acquired Chewy in 2017, said that Cohen will be succeeded by Sumit Singh. Singh joined Chewy in August and has served as COO since November. Prior to that, he was director of Amazon Fresh Worldwide.
Singh will be supported by Chewy’s management team as the online retailer continues to operate largely as an independent subsidiary of PetSmart, focusing on its current business strategy.
“The past seven years have been a tremendous journey and the learning experience of a lifetime,” said Cohen. “In a short time span, Chewy has gone from a concept to disrupting and redefining an entire industry. I feel the time is right for me to pass on the torch so I can pursue personal goals and spend time with my family. I’m confident in Sumit and believe he will continue to carry on the vision of making Chewy the best and biggest pet retailer on the planet.”
Raymond Svider, a managing partner at BC Partners and executive chairman of PetSmart, called Cohen “an amazing leader who has built a unique and powerful ecommerce business with a strong culture that is laser-focused on serving the needs of customers and their pets.”
“I have full confidence that this will continue under the leadership of Sumit, a seasoned e-commerce leader who is well equipped to carry Chewy’s strategy forward and grow the company,” Svider said. “After the relentless pace of the last seven years; he has our unwavering support and we wish him well.”