Matt Simister starts as the new CEO of Fressnapf | Maxi Zoo

New CEO Matt Simister has officially taken up his position at the Fressnapf Group, as announced at the end of April (PET worldwide reported). He succeeds Peter Pritchard, who will now join the board of directors as deputy chairman, alongside company founder and majority shareholder, Torsten Toeller.

The change in top management also applies to Fressnapf Holding SE, where Simister will take over as managing director, according to a press release from the company. Simister brings with him over 30 years' experience in management roles within the European retail sector.

Most recently, he was CEO for Central Europe at Tesco, where he played a key role in transforming the Central European business. He was also the longest-serving member of the Tesco Executive Committee. He has extensive expertise in category management and product range strategy in both the food and non-food sectors, and a strong track record in leading international, customer-centric organisations.

This change in leadership is another milestone in Fressnapf's development as Europe's leading omnichannel retailer of pet food and supplies. With a presence in 15 countries and over 2,750 stores operating under the Fressnapf, Maxi Zoo and Arcaplanet brands, the group is continually expanding internationally.

According to Fressnapf, this appointment comes at a pivotal time in the company's strategic transformation. Over the past twelve months, the company has developed its management structure further to strengthen operational excellence and the customer experience in its growing pan-European business.

As Fressnapf intensifies its customer focus and expands internationally, Simister will play a pivotal role in expanding the company's international and strategic capabilities significantly.

“Fressnapf is in a unique position to actively shape the future of the pet industry in Europe,” said Simister today. “My first priority is to really understand our customers and our markets.” He intends to ascertain “how we can bring together teams and skills across the company so that we can fulfil our promise to customers and continue to grow the business.”

In his first few weeks, Simister will therefore visit the country organisations and listen closely to the local teams. “I am convinced that good leadership starts with proximity – to our stores, to the teams, and above all to our customers.”’

Torsten Toeller welcomed the new CEO with the following words: “Matt is an outstanding leader with international stature.” His global perspective, experience, and approach are precisely what Fressnapf | Maxi Zoo needs to strengthen its international growth strategy further.

Toeller thanked Pritchard “for his outstanding leadership during a crucial phase of the company's strategic transformation.”