Mike Podobrin is managing director of Fressnapf DACH

Mike Podobrin officially took over as managing director of Fressnapf Austria and Fressnapf Switzerland on 16 February. The retail chain announced the successor to Country Manager Hermann Aigner in a press release today, 18 February. Podobrin is now responsible for the operational management and strategic direction of the local business of Fressnapf Austria and Switzerland. Aigner is stepping down from his position at his own request.

With Podobrin, Europe's leading omnichannel retailer of pet supplies has gained an internationally renowned top manager with more than 30 years of experience in international trade. Most recently, he was Managing Director at Penny Austria. Prior to that, he was responsible for strategic marketing at Penny International within the Rewe Group for several years. ‘Mike will consistently continue the successful development and provide important impetus for the future strategic direction in order to achieve our growth targets,’ said Patrick Bontenakels, Managing Director Central & Eastern Europe, welcoming the newcomer.

Aigner has had a significant impact on the company over the past decade and has successfully developed it further. ‘Hermann Aigner has taken on responsibility with great commitment in recent years and has contributed significantly to the country's success – for which we are very grateful,’ explained Bontenakels. ‘I am very pleased that he will continue to support Fressnapf in an advisory capacity in the future.’