Petco Adds Three To Leadership Team
Petco has added three retail veterans with varying backgrounds to its executive leadership team.
Sabrina Simmons, former chief financial officer at Gap, Inc., has been named Petco’s CFO, effective February 17; Michael Romanko, former chief merchandising and marketing officer at Five Below, Inc., has been named chief customer and product officer, effective February 24; and Jack Stout, former executive vice president and chief merchandising officer at 7-Eleven, Inc., has been named chief merchandising officer, effective February 24.
"Today's appointments represent a significant evolution of Petco's leadership team that brings robust retail expertise to help accelerate initiatives we're undertaking to strengthen our retail fundamentals, drive profit improvement and return us to growth," said Joel Anderson, Petco’s CEO. "Sabrina, Michael, and Jack are seasoned leaders with proven track records, who will further help us unlock value for our customers, partners and shareholders."
Reporting directly to Anderson, Simmons, Romanko, and Stout will work with Petco's existing leadership team to drive continued execution against the company's 2025 objectives while preparing the company for a return to growth.
The additions follow the 2024 executive hires of Glenn Murphy as executive chairman, Anderson as CEO, Holly May as chief human resources officer, and Joe Venezia as chief revenue officer.
Brian LaRose, formerly CFO, is expected to remain with the company in an advisory role until April 30 to help ensure a smooth transition.
Simmons currently serves on the board of directors of Columbia Sportswear Company as well as the board of directors and audit committee of Coursera, Inc., and previously served on the board of directors of Williams-Sonoma Inc. and e.l.f. Beauty, Inc.
Romanko served as the chief merchandising and marketing officer at Five Below for a decade. There, he oversaw merchandising strategy and operations including product development as the company grew to more than $3.5 billion in sales from approximately $500 million.
At 7-Eleven, Stout led the company's merchandising operations, including category management, new product introductions, new category and profit center development and fresh food innovation. Before joining 7‑Eleven, he served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, achieving the rank of Captain. He was awarded the Air Force Commendations Medal and selected as a Professional Performer by the Inspector General.
