Greg Van Praagh new Fediaf president

Fediaf, the voice of the European Pet Food Industry, today the 10 Juni announced the election of Greg Van Praagh as its new president, following a vote at the association's general assembly held in Brussels. Van Praagh, who represents UK Pet Food (formerly PFMA) and is co-founder of Benyfit Natural, succeeds Rosa Carbonell, who has served as Fediaf president since 2022. The general assembly also confirmed the full composition of the new board of directors.

Van Praagh brings extensive experience at the intersection of pet food manufacturing, trade association leadership, and regulatory engagement. A co-founder of Benyfit Natural – a pioneering commercial raw pet food brand now part of the Snellman family – he served as managing director and subsequently as head of UK & Europe at the Real Pet Food Company (RPFC). He has been a prominent figure in UK and European pet food policy for nearly a decade. He served as chairman of the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association (PFMA) – now UK Pet Food. During his chairmanship, he spearheaded the rebranding and modernisation of the association. He has been an active member of the Fediaf board of directors since his election to the board in 2024.

‘My focus will be on ensuring that our regulatory environment allows innovation to flourish, that we maintain the highest standards of safety and nutrition, and that we continue to make the compelling case for the important role pets play in people’s lives,’ said Van Praagh. ‘I am grateful to the members for their trust, and I look forward to building on the exceptional work of my predecessor.‘

Carbonell, who served as Fediaf President from 2022 and was re-elected in 2024, concludes her mandate having led the association through a period of significant regulatory and societal transformation. ‘In a context of increasing complexity, she provided clear, steady leadership, dedicating substantial time, energy and personal commitment to ensuring that Fediaf remained cohesive, relevant and forward-looking,’ the association says. During her tenure she championed a science-based approach to policy and deepened Fediaf's relationships with European regulators and civil society. Carbonelli will continue to support Fediaf’s work on the Board of Directors as vice-president.

‘I know Greg will champion our members with energy and conviction, and I will continue to support him and the entire Fediaf community in the years ahead,‘ explained Carbonell.

Alongside president Van Praagh, the general assembly confirmed a board of directors that blends continuity with new perspectives. Rosa Carbonell (Nestlé Purina Petcare Europe) takes on the role of vice-president and Christophe Carlier (Royal Canin, representing the French association Facco) was confirmed as board member. Dr. Katrin Langner, managing director of IVH (the German Industry Association for Pet Supplies), joins the board as well, while newly elected Robin van den Bruinhorst, managing director of Dutch frozen pet food innovator Q-Petfood (representing the Dutch association NVG) becomes vice-president.

Editor’s note: Fediaf had published a minor error regarding the composition of the Board of Directors, and we have now incorporated Fediaf’s correction.