Changes at Petco as company names new president

San Diego -- Petco on Thursday today announced several key changes to its leadership team.



In addition to adding chairman responsibilities to CEO Jim Myers' role, the company named Brad Weston as president.



Previously, Weston served as executive VP, chief merchandising officer and president of the company’s Unleashed by Petco unit. The retail veteran joined Petco in October 2011 and led the evolution of the Unleashed by Petco format.



Prior to joining Petco, Weston held various leadership positions in merchandising for other retailers, including Dick's Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy and May Department Stores.



In other changes:



•Steve Lossing will succeed Tom Farello, who is retiring in 2016 after nine years as senior VP, operations. Previously, Lossing served as senior VP, merchandising. Prior to joining Petco, he held a number of leadership positions for J.C. Penney and other retailers.



• Rebecca Frechette has been named senior VP merchandising. Previously, she served as senior VP, private brand. Prior to joining Petco, Frechette served as senior VP, merchandising for 7-Eleven.



Approaching its 50th anniversary, Petco operates more than 1,400 locations across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico.