Walmart vet tops Petco digital team
A major Walmart e-commerce executive is taking the reins of Petco’s digital business.
Darren MacDonald will join Petco as chief digital and innovation officer, effective June 10. MacDonald will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company's digital business, including e-commerce, the Petco app, prescription fulfillment, and its employer wellness benefits offering. He will also focus on incubating new ideas and furthering innovation across the company.
MacDonald brings 20 years of global digital strategy and business development experience to Petco. Prior to joining Petco, MacDonald managed Walmart's U.S. e-commerce entertainment business, where he grew market share and oversaw merchandising, planning, supply chain, marketing, business development, site experience, finance, human resources, product and engineering teams. He also launched two new business lines within the company's digital entertainment division, and developed and launched three new private label brands.
Additionally, MacDonald was the founder and CEO of Ingress Capital Inc. Prior to that, he was CEO of the Pronto Network for IAC, where he developed an online shopping comparison engine.
"Petco is committed to delivering an elevated omnichannel experience for pet parents," said Petco CEO Ron Coughlin. "Darren's impressive background in digital strategy and e-commerce growth will be an incredible asset to the Petco leadership team, as we continue to power innovative digital platforms to create an unparalleled experience for our customers."
"It's a transformational time in the world of retail and I'm honored to be joining the Petco team at this stage of the company's reinvention," said MacDonald. "Today's omnichannel shopper expects a best-in-class digital experience – I'm excited to help accelerate growth and innovation within Petco and the retail category as a whole."
MacDonald holds a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley and a master's degree in business administration from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Darren MacDonald will join Petco as chief digital and innovation officer, effective June 10. MacDonald will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company's digital business, including e-commerce, the Petco app, prescription fulfillment, and its employer wellness benefits offering. He will also focus on incubating new ideas and furthering innovation across the company.
MacDonald brings 20 years of global digital strategy and business development experience to Petco. Prior to joining Petco, MacDonald managed Walmart's U.S. e-commerce entertainment business, where he grew market share and oversaw merchandising, planning, supply chain, marketing, business development, site experience, finance, human resources, product and engineering teams. He also launched two new business lines within the company's digital entertainment division, and developed and launched three new private label brands.
Additionally, MacDonald was the founder and CEO of Ingress Capital Inc. Prior to that, he was CEO of the Pronto Network for IAC, where he developed an online shopping comparison engine.
"Petco is committed to delivering an elevated omnichannel experience for pet parents," said Petco CEO Ron Coughlin. "Darren's impressive background in digital strategy and e-commerce growth will be an incredible asset to the Petco leadership team, as we continue to power innovative digital platforms to create an unparalleled experience for our customers."
"It's a transformational time in the world of retail and I'm honored to be joining the Petco team at this stage of the company's reinvention," said MacDonald. "Today's omnichannel shopper expects a best-in-class digital experience – I'm excited to help accelerate growth and innovation within Petco and the retail category as a whole."
MacDonald holds a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley and a master's degree in business administration from the University of California, Los Angeles.