Fressnapf appoints new CEO and CFO

Fressnapf, Europe’s leading specialized retailer for pet food and pet supplies, today announced key changes to its executive leadership team and management structure as part of its long-term strategic growth agenda. Following a successful interim leadership phase, the company has appointed Matt Simister as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Matt Simister, who comes from Tesco, will transition into his new role in September. He has over 30 years of experience working for some of Europe’s top retailers and brings valuable expertise in category management and assortment strategy across both food and non-food sectors, as well as extensive international leadership experience.

He will take over from interim CEO Peter Pritchard, who will continue to play a crucial role by moving to his new position as Co-Chair of the Non-Executive Board, next to chairman Torsten Toeller.

Similarly, Christian Kümmel, CFO at Fressnapf/Maxi Zoo, will be leaving the company with mutual consent and in preparation for his upcoming professional challenges by the end of April. "His unwavering commitment, trustworthiness, and the strong partnership we've shared over the years have been invaluable," said Torsten Toeller, chairman, founder and majority owner of Fressnapf/Maxi Zoo.

A successor has already been selected and will be announced separately, the company said. According to ‘Manager Magazin’, Florian Wieser (42) is to come from the estate agent Engel & Völkers.

In order to continue and strengthen the company's successful financial management, Sebastian van Stiphout, SVP Finance & Strategy, has been appointed as interim CFO. This appointment gives him significant authority to oversee and manage the company's financial operations in close coordination with the management team, ensuring a smooth transition of financial matters until the new CFO takes office.

In parallel, the current member of the Executive Board, Lucio Paolo Torroni, SVP People, will temporarily assume the role of Managing Director of Fressnapf Holding SE and various subsidiaries within the group.

New C-Level structure

As part of its leadership evolution, Fressnapf/Maxi Zoo is also implementing a refined C-level management structure designed to respond more effectively to shifting market dynamics and drive more agile, data-driven decision-making. This strategic reorganization introduces key executive roles in People Operations, IT and Digital Transformation, Supply Chain & Logistics, Customer Experience, and Product Strategy – each closely aligned with the company’s long-term vision for sustainable growth and market leadership.

“These management adaptations are a direct response to the growing complexity of the international pet supplies market and the need for more integrated, forward-thinking leadership,” said Torsten Toeller. “This new structure will significantly enhance our capacity to deliver exceptional value to our customers and partners across Europe, positioning us for sustained success in an increasingly competitive landscape.” These management changes, the company claims, underscore the company’s commitment to international expansion with local accountability and a renewed emphasis on customer-centricity.