New board members at APPA

The US pet industry association American Pet Products Association (APPA) has announced two new board members for 2024. Kevin Fick, former CEO and current board member of PetWise, and Josh Patterson, vice-president of sales North America for Vital Essentials, a Carnivore Meat Company brand, have joined APPA’s board of directors.

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. In addition to his current seat on the PetWise board, he serves on the board of directors of JoyBound, an organisation dedicated to helping pets find loving parents and homes.

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.

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).