Petco exec shakeup: COO, chief merchant to leave; Abercrombie vet to head stores

Petco Health and Wellness Company announced changes to its executive leadership team that include the departure of two c-suite members and the addition of an Abercrombie & Fitch veteran.

"Today's changes to our leadership team will accelerate Petco's initiatives to drive retail excellence as we execute on our operational reset," said Mike Mohan, who was appointed interim CEO of Petco in March. "Across the business, we are streamlining the organization to empower faster and more effective implementation of best practices on the path to restoring our profitability."

Chief Stores Officer

As a part of the changes, James Roth has been appointed chief stores officer, reporting directly to Mohan. In the role, Roth will lead operations across all Petco locations in the United States and Puerto Rico.

Roth joins Petco from Abercrombie & Fitch Co., where he most recently served as executive VP, stores, leading the stores team across five brands, 16 countries and more than 800 stores. He has held numerous senior retail roles during his more than 20 years with the company.

COO

Additionally, COO Justin Tichy has made the decision to depart Petco, the company said,  and the role of chief operating officer has been eliminated. Tichy has served in the position since October 2018. He also spent nearly 14 years at Best Buy (from 2001 to 2015). 

 Chief Merchant

Amy College, current chief merchandising and supply chain officer will leave the company on August 17, 2024. Shari White has been appointed interim chief merchant, reporting to  Mohan. White joined the company six years ago from consumer products company Perrigo, where she was director of sales.

Petco said it will conduct a comprehensive internal and external search for a permanent chief merchant with the support of a leading global executive search firm. 

"I want to thank Justin and Amy for their years of service to Petco," said Mohan. "They have been instrumental in the development of our omnichannel pet health and wellness ecosystem, while supporting our purpose to improve the lives of pets, pet parents and Petco partners."

Expanding Executive Leadership Team

Petco also is expanding its executive leadership team to include:

• Tim Buckenberger, senior VP, merchandise planning, inventory & supply chain;
• Steve Janowiak, VP digital;
• Stephen Reyes, senior VP, services; 
• James Roth, chief stores officer; and
• Shari White, interim chief merchant.

Petco operates more than 1,500 stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, which offer merchandise, companion animals, grooming, training and a growing network of on-site veterinary hospitals and mobile veterinary clinics.