The Pet Food Institute (PFI) recently announced that Elise Fennig will take over as president and CEO on March 16, 2026. She will follow Dana Brooks, who has led PFI since 2018.
Prior to this role, Fennig was the chief of staff and senior vice president at the National Confectioners Association. There, she managed operations, strategies, and teamwork across various sectors. Her experience also includes significant positions at the Consumer Brands Association and The Kraft Heinz Company. This background gives her valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the food industry today.
Scott Salmon, chair of PFI’s board, praised Fennig for her deep industry knowledge. He believes she’s the right person to help PFI move forward and better serve pet food manufacturers and their customers. Brooks also expressed confidence in Fennig’s capabilities, highlighting her leadership and collaborative spirit.
Fennig holds a graduate degree in public relations from the University of Florida and a bachelor’s degree in foreign affairs and Spanish from the University of Virginia. She’s excited about her new role, seeing PFI as crucial in ensuring pet food safety and quality.
As the pet food industry grows, it’s important to note that the market has seen significant changes. For instance, a recent report by Grand View Research shows that the global pet food market is valued at over $90 billion and is expected to grow. This growth underscores the need for effective leadership in organizations like PFI.
Fennig’s leadership comes at a critical time as pet owners increasingly seek high-quality and nutritious options for their pets. Social media trends reveal that many pet owners are now more informed and demand transparency about what goes into their animals’ food.
Elise Fennig’s leadership is likely to play a vital role in not just navigating these trends, but also in advancing industry standards and practices.
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