PetSmart announces management succession; new CEO to take reins in June

Phoenix -- PetSmart on Tuesday announced its planned management succession plan. The company said that following its annual shareholders meeting on June 14, 2013, current president and COO David K. Lenhardt will be promoted to CEO and simultaneously join the board of directors. At that time, current chairman and CEO Bob Moran will vacate the CEO's chair and become executive chairman.



Lenhardt joined PetSmart in 2000 as SVP services, strategic planning, and business development, and went on to hold several other executive positions. In January 2011, he was promoted to EVP merchandising, marketing, supply chain and strategic planning.



“During the last several years, we have focused on and invested in strategic succession planning, and as a result, we’ve assembled what I believe is one of the best leadership teams in retail,” said Moran. “Looking ahead, this planned management succession will allow us to remain focused on executing the strategies that have been key to our success over the past several years. David is the perfect leader with the experience, vision and ability to continue to lead PetSmart through the current economic challenges and toward a strong and sustainable future.”