Petco names new finance, customer, merchandising leaders
The nation’s largest pet supplies retailer is making a number of additions to its C-suite.
Petco Health and Wellness Company has named three new leaders to join its leadership team. Sabrina Simmons, former CFO at Gap, Inc., has been named CFO, effective Feb. 17. Michael Romanko, former chief merchandising and marketing officer at Five Below, Inc., has been named chief customer and product officer, effective Feb. 24. Jack Stout, former executive VP and chief merchandising officer at 7-Eleven, Inc., has been named chief merchandising officer, effective Feb. 24.
"Today's appointments represent a significant evolution of Petco's leadership team that brings robust retail expertise to help accelerate initiatives we're undertaking to strengthen our retail fundamentals, drive profit improvement and return us to growth," said Petco CEO Joel Anderson, who took the reins of the company last summer. "Sabrina, Michael and Jack are seasoned leaders with proven track records, who will further help us unlock value for our customers, partners and shareholders."
Simmons has more than 20 years of executive-level financial experience and has served as a member of Petco's board of directors and audit chair since 2021. She previously worked as executive VP and CFO of Gap, Inc. from 2008 to 2017, and served in other high-level roles with the apparel retailer including executive VP of corporate finance, senior VP of corporate finance and treasurer, and more.
Simmons has voluntarily resigned from her role as a member of Petco's board of directors. Brian LaRose, formerly CFO at Petco, is expected to remain with the company in an advisory role until April 30 to help ensure a smooth transition.
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"I am honored to join Petco as chief financial officer and look forward to working closely with Joel and the broader leadership team in creating long-term value for our shareholders," said Simmons. "I believe deeply in the company's mission to improve the lives of pets and pet parents and see significant opportunities to strengthen our leadership position in the category."
As chief customer and product officer, Romanko will oversee marketing, customer insights, product development, global sourcing and private brands at Petco. Prior to joining the retailer, he was the chief merchandising and marketing officer at Five Below, Inc., a role he held for a decade. At the discount retailer, Romanko oversaw merchandising strategy and operations including product development.
"Petco has long been an industry leader known for making a difference in its customers' lives," said Romanko. "I am excited about what this new role unlocks to elevate the Petco brand, including the opportunity to source new, unique and trendy products while delivering a completely new experience for our customers."
Since July 2024, Stout has been serving as Petco's interim chief merchandising officer. In his new role, he will continue to lead global merchandise planning and strategy across aspects of the business. Stout previously served as executive VP and chief merchandising officer at convenience giant 7‑Eleven, Inc., where he led the company's merchandising operations, including category management, new product introductions, new category and profit center development and fresh food innovation.
"I am thrilled to be a part of Petco at such a pivotal time for the company as we work to strengthen retail fundamentals and improve our merchandising capabilities," said Stout. "There is so much opportunity to build on Petco's strong foundation and I look forward to even deeper partnership with the leadership team as we work to realize our full potential as a best-in-class retailer."
Based in San Diego, Petco operates more than 1,500 pet care centers across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico.
