Nestlé Purina PetCare has announced that Joseph R. Sivewright will transition from his position as CEO of Nestlé Purina PetCare for the Americas, and be appointed chairman of the group, effective 1 January 2021.
Succeeding Sivewright will be Nina Leigh Krueger, who will become the CEO and president of Nestlé Purina PetCare for the Americas. She currently serves as president of Nestlé Purina PetCare U.S.
Krueger will become the eighth CEO in company history, and Purina’s first female CEO. Sivewright has served as Nestlé Purina for the Americas CEO since 2015. According to the group, she been a major part of the Ralston Purina and Nestlé Purina success since joining the company in 1985.
Nestlé Zone Americas CEO Laurent Freixe said: “Joe’s depth of experience, sound judgment and ability to skillfully lead a large organization has led to amazing growth and has Purina positioned for a bright future.
“Nina Leigh’s business acumen, exceptional leadership and communication skills, and ability to bring out the best in people make her the ideal successor to guide Purina for years to come.”
Meanwhile, Sivewright joined the company 35 years ago and held progressively more senior roles in marketing on PetCare, cereals and new products.
He was appointed vice president in 1995 with roles in global marketing, and he served in the Global Strategic Business Unit after the 2001 acquisition of Ralston Purina by Swiss-based Nestlé S.A.
After becoming president of the group in 2011, Sivewright has led a number of significant transformations of the Purina business, including the acquisition of Merrick Pet Care in 2015 and building a robust e-commerce business that has delivered significant growth.
In his new role as chairman, Sivewright’s primary responsibility will be to manage a smooth transition with Krueger, and to provide strategic and operating support. He will also remain engaged with Purina’s strategic sustainability initiatives and leading conservation partners and NGOs.
Sivewight said: “Nina Leigh is the perfect choice to lead this company into a winning future. Throughout her 27-year Purina career, she has played a vital role in our many successes during a time of great complexity in the pet care business. She has a proven track record of bringing innovation to market and leading key global brands and initiatives.
“In addition, Nina Leigh has an established history of leadership, getting the very best from our associates while keeping our Purina culture top of mind.”
Krueger said: “I truly am honored by this opportunity. I look forward to working with our Purina team to accelerate our strong momentum and to build on our more than 90-year history of making science-based dog and cat foods, treats and cat litter that pet owners trust.”
