KANSAS CITY, MO. — In a male-dominated pet food industry, women are bringing their unique perspectives and continuing to trailblaze for the good of pets. From founders and executives to brand builders and sales experts, women are continuing to use their insights, ideas and passion to contribute to the continued evolution of the industry.
“It can be incredibly fulfilling to help shape the future of this space in its own right,” said Mahsa Vazin, Ph.D., founder and chief executive officer of PawCo Foods. “Make sure you believe in your mission and don’t give up.”
Continue reading for a recap of female leaders featured in our Women in the Pet Industry series throughout 2025.
Lindsay Meyers, vice president of Quality, Nutrition and Compliance, Primal Pet Group — This problem solver loves working to provide dogs and cats with safe and balanced minimally processed pet food.
Janet Scott, founder and owner, RAWZ Natural Pet Food — This raw pet food brand owner believes she can make a positive impact on the pet industry through nutritious minimally processed pet food and charitable contributions.
Jennifer Brickley, director of Product Safety and Quality, Instinct Pet Food — This food safety advocate is working to ensure Instinct’s raw formulations are as safe as human food.
Racquel White, vice president of Corporate Affairs, Royal Canin North America — This corporate leader engages with industry stakeholders to advocate for her company, the industry and for pets.
Kristi Clay, owner, Pet Evolution — This pet entrepreneur is helping pet owners ensure their four-legged companions are leading happier and healthier lives.
Lucy Postins, founder and chief integrity officer, The Honest Kitchen — This pet food brand founder has used her passion for animals and human-grade nutrition to make human-grade pet food a reality.
Nicole Sumner, brand director, Ollie — This brand director works to find balance while meeting the needs of two important customers — the pet and the pet parent.
Lashonda Geffrard, founder, ELEVATE — This entrepreneur is making it her mission to make the pet industry more inclusive by shining a light on innovative BIPOC business owners.
Sandra Grossmann, founder, The Feline Consultant — This feline behaviorist is leveraging her extensive experience to assist pet food companies, cat owners and veterinarians in supporting cats.
Jayne Adamson, vice president of Sales, Tuffy’s Pet Foods — This sales VP believes industry relationships are the core to building a strong career in the pet industry.
Senia Wang, co-founder and chief operating officer, Charmy Pet — This co-founder is bringing the benefits of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine to dogs and cats throughout North America.
Allison Reser, director of Sustainability, Pet Sustainability Coalition — This sustainability leader is on a mission to help pet food and treat processors achieve sustainability success.
Shannon Toyos, chief growth officer, Pet, Post Consumer Brands — This business leader has spent her career helping brands, including leading pet food companies, tell their stories.
Lindsey Fash, chief marketing officer, Ethos Pet Brands — This business marketing professional found a way to combine her love of pets with a passion for creating and communicating.
Jacqueline Prehogan, co-founder and chief brand officer, Open Farm— This entrepreneur is bringing a high level of transparency and responsibility to the pet food industry through her company Open Farm.
Leah Lambrakis, vice president of Research & Development, Simmons Pet Food — This food scientist and R&D team leader has spent 26 years letting curiosity guide her toward innovation.
Mahsa Vazin, Ph.D., founder and CEO, PawCo Foods — This former Impossible Foods scientist is leveraging her knowledge to create healthier plant-based, sustainable dog nutrition.
Kristy Boulos, COO, Matrix Partners — This marketing professional has spent more than two decades helping pet industry brands tell their stories.
Ava Dorsey, founder and chief elevation officer, Ava’s Pet Palace — This young entrepreneur aims to challenge industry norms with clean-label products.
Caroline Buck, co-founder and CMO, Petaluma — This entrepreneur is seeking to bridge the gap between sustainably conscious consumers and the lack of plant-based offerings in the pet food industry.
Niki St.Denis, sales and marketing manager, Nyle Dehydrators — This sales and marketing professional channeled her desire to better serve her customers into a more active role within the pet food industry.
Catherine McCarthy, founder, Curious & Co. Strategy + Innovation — This pet industry veteran shares her observations and insights about where the industry has been and where it’s going.
Ada-Miette Thomas, senior analyst, BSM Partners — As she launches her career in pet, this enthusiastic newcomer is bringing a fresh perspective to this evolving industry.
Sarah Andereck, pet account manager, North America Food Ingredients, IFF — This industry professional is using sales and marketing expertise on the supply and production side of the industry to help brands with ingredient solutions.
Heather Scott, CMO, Vetnique — This marketing leader ensures Vetnique meets the needs of pets and the demands of pet parents.
Continue reading about other female leaders featured in our Women in the Pet Industry series.
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