New Details: Industry Outlook Panel Keynote at Global Pet Expo 2025

This week, APPA and PIDA released more details about the Thursday morning keynote at the Global Pet Expo, "Turning Today’s Uncertainty into Tomorrow’s Opportunity: The 2025 Economic Outlook for Pet Retailers." The keynote will be held Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 8 a.m. ET at the Global Pet Expo Main Stage. A continental breakfast will be served and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Tyler Mathisen, renowned CNBC news anchor and Vice President of Events Strategy, is headlining the keynote. Mathisen will kick off the session with a data-driven economic forecast before diving into a high-impact discussion with these top executives, delivering insights, strategies, and real-world takeaways that pet retailers can put into action immediately. 

Takeaways for Pet Retailers: 

• How today’s economic forces are reshaping pet retail and consumer spending
• Where the biggest risks—and biggest opportunities—exist for pet retailers in 2025
• Why the long-term outlook is more optimistic than you think—and how to take action now

Attendees can expect a powerhouse panel featuring some of the pet industry’s most influential decision-makers. Meet the panel of pet industry leaders: 

Lynette Ackley, Meijer

Group VP, Merchandising – Health & Beauty, Household Essentials & Hardlines 

Ackley is an industry trailblazer, inducted into the Progressive Grocer Top Women in Grocery Hall of Fame (2022) and recipient of the Progressive Grocer Top Women in Grocery Trailblazer Award (2024). She oversees merchandising, marketing, digital strategies, and store experience for her divisions, leading a team of more than 160 members across 265+ locations. As an expert panelist, she offers valuable insights into how pet retailers can navigate the 2025 economic landscape with a focus on team development, customer experience, and strategic merchandising. 

James Elasky, PetSmart

Senior Vice President and Chief Merchant 

Elasky spearheads merchandising strategy for the largest pet specialty retailer in the U.S, driving innovation and growth within the pet retail sector. With previous leadership experience at Target, James brings a strong background in merchandising, planning, and allocation. As an expert panelist, he offers valuable perspectives on how pet retailers can adapt to the 2025 economic outlook and capitalize on shifting market trends. 

Yvonne Hsu, Hill's Pet Nutrition

EVP & General Manager 

Hsu has spent nearly 25 years driving innovation as a global leader in pet health and nutrition and leveraging her expertise in consumer goods to improve pet nutrition and ownership experiences. Hsu is particularly proud of her leadership in launching Hill’s Prescription Diet ONC Care to support pets with cancer and her ongoing work to integrate sustainability into Hill's product offerings. As an expert panelist, she shares valuable insights on key trends shaping the pet industry, including the humanization of pets, pet health and wellbeing, and the industry's increasing focus on sustainability. 

Niko Lahanas, Central Garden & Pet

CEO

Lahanas leads a $3.3 billion portfolio of over 65 pet and garden brands, overseeing a team of more than 6,700 employees across the U.S. With a strong financial background, Niko has held several key leadership roles at Central since joining in 2006, including CFO and Senior VP of Finance. As an expert panelist, he shares insights on how pet retailers can strategically navigate economic challenges and seize opportunities for growth in 2025. 

Gopi Sandhu, Nestlé Purina

Vice President of Environmental Sustainability  

Sandhu brings extensive expertise in sustainability, packaging recycling, and regenerative agriculture to his work. As the leader of sustainability at one of the largest pet companies and an environmental engineer, Gopi offers expert insights into how sustainability is reshaping consumer expectations, retail strategy, and pet products manufacturing & supply chain priorities.

See the Keynote Panel at Global Pet Expo

Don’t miss this must-attend Main Stage keynote—because understanding today’s uncertainty is the key to unlocking tomorrow’s success. Learn more at GlobalPetExpo.org or save the session in My Show Planner.