(PRESS RELEASE) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Pet Food Institute (PFI), whose members make the vast majority of dog and cat food and treats in the United States, announced its 2025-2026 Board officers, including a new chair.
“We are excited about our 2025-2026 officers, who will each bring diverse experience and expertise to Pet Food Institute’s Board of Directors,” said Dana Brooks, PFI President & CEO. “These board members will work diligently to represent the interests of all pet food makers, who work hard every day to produce safe and nutritious pet food for America’s pets.”
The newly elected Chair is Simmons Pet Food President Scott Salmon. Salmon has over 25 years of experience in the retail industry and most recently served as the PFI Board Vice Chair.
“I’m excited to work alongside my fellow Board members this year to strengthen the Pet Food Institute’s commitment to pet food safety, advocacy, education, and the promotion of pets. Together, we can help ensure pets enjoy longer, healthier lives,” said incoming chair Scott Salmon.
Salmon takes over as chair from Nina Leigh Krueger, CEO and President of Nestle Purina PetCare.
“Over the past two years, we have worked diligently to address significant pet food regulatory issues through the introduction of the PURR Act in Congress. PFI staff have dedicated tremendous resources, time and effort to solidify industry alignment, drive support from state Directors of Agriculture, advocate for Congressional sponsorship, and continue dialogue with folks who oppose industry regulatory modernization. I am honored to have worked with the PFI staff during the outset of this portfolio of work, and I look forward to continuing to support them. I know that this important work will continue under the leadership and guidance of the new Board officers,” said Krueger.
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The full slate of 2025-2026 PFI Board Officers are:
Scott Salmon, president of Simmons Pet Food Inc., Chair
Reed Howlett, CEO of Wellness Pet Company, Vice Chair
Yvonne Hsu, U.S. president and general manager of Hill’s Pet Nutrition U.S., Secretary
Frank Ziacik, commercial director, NA pet food of Cargill, Treasurer
Scott Morris, president and CEO of Freshpet, Personnel Officer
About Pet Food Institute
The Pet Food Institute (PFI) and our members, who make the vast majority of all U.S. pet food and treat products, are committed to helping pets enjoy long and healthy lives. PFI provides information about pet food and treat safety, nutrition, and health to pet owners and advocates for a transparent, science-based regulatory environment for our members. Visit petfoodinstitute.org to learn more.
