American Pet Products Association Announces New Board Members

STAMFORD, CONN (April 17, 2024) – The American Pet Products Association (APPA) – the leading trade association serving the interests of the pet products industry since 1958 – has announced two new board members for 2024. Kevin Fick, former CEO and current Board Member of PetWise Brands, and Josh Patterson, Vice President of Sales North America for Vital Essentials, a Carnivore Meat Company brand, have joined APPA’s board of directors.

“On behalf of the entire APPA board, I would like to extend a warm welcome and congratulations to our new directors,” said Tommy Baroody, chair of the APPA board and Vice President of Sales at Nestlé Purina North America. “Kevin and Josh bring extensive leadership experience and industry expertise to their new positions, and we look forward to the insights they will bring to the association.”

Fick, who previously served on the APPA board of directors, brings 25 years of pet industry experience to the association. Earlier in his career, Fick was the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Central Garden & Pet before becoming the CEO of PetWise Brands. In addition to his current seat on the board of PetWise Brands, he serves on the JoyBound board of directors, an organization dedicated to helping pets find loving parents and homes.

“The entire team at APPA is excited to have Kevin reappointed to our board of directors,” said APPA President and CEO Peter Scott. “His previous nine year term on the APPA board and his experience in the pet industry brings with him a wealth of knowledge and connections that will aid us in furthering our mission.”

Patterson has spent his entire career in the pet industry, starting as a part-time retail associate at Petsense by Tractor Supply. After 12 years with Petsense, he began working on the manufacturing side of the industry, where he has since held leadership roles at Nulo Pet Food, PetSmart and PetPlate. Patterson brings expertise in omnichannel business models, retail marketing and merchandising and sales team leadership.

“When I accepted a part-time role as a retail associate during college, I never could have imagined the incredible career path I would have in pet,” said Patterson. “I am excited to use my passion and expertise to further APPA’s mission of promoting responsible pet care and advancing the pet products industry while helping ensure that our members’ businesses remain strong and provide rewarding careers to those interested in the pet industry.”

The APPA board of directors comprises pet industry professionals from across the U.S. who collectively work to achieve the association’s mission and serve the interests of its diverse membership made up of over 1,000 pet products manufacturers, their representatives, importers and livestock suppliers, including both large corporations and growing business enterprises worldwide.

APPA’s board of directors also includes Todd Regan, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Central Garden and Pet (Secretary/Treasurer); Chuck Latham, founder of H&C Animal Health (Immediate Past Chair); Terry Anderton, founder and CEO of Wagz, Inc. (Director); Steve Clark, Chief Revenue Officer at Petmate (Director); and Savina Singh, CEO of JoJo Modern Pets (Director).