Paws and profits: New leadership in the animal care industry

Career advancements in the veterinary and animal care fields bring new opportunities for personal growth and the growth of the organizations these professionals serve. As individuals step into new roles, they have the opportunity to help shape the future of the industry with their leadership and expertise.

The following individuals are being spotlighted in this week’s “Paws and profits” column:

Alex Faynberg, FSA, MAAA, executive vice president and head of Healthy Paws

Alex Faynberg, FSA, MAAA. (Photo courtesy of Chubb INA Holdings)

Alex Faynberg, FSA, MAAA, recently assumed the position of executive vice president and head of Healthy Paws—a pet insurance company. With more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, Faynberg will be responsible for growing the company’s market presence. In his prior role, Faynberg was the division president of Chubb Workplace Benefits, the company who owns Healthy Paws.

"Alex's deep experience and knowledge in both benefits and insurance will enhance Healthy Paws' mission to help pet owners care for their pets' health," David Lupica, vice president of Chubb Group and president of Westchester, said in a company release.¹ "His track record and strategic vision makes him the ideal candidate to expand and grow Healthy Paws' business."

Brük Herbst, MBA, CEO, Ellie Diagnostics

Ellie Diagnostics, a veterinary reference laboratory, appointed Brük Herbst, MBA as its new CEO. Herbst has a history in global diagnostics, commercial strategy, and leadership. In his most recent role, herbst was the president of global diagnostics at Covetrus.

"I am honored to join Ellie at such an exciting time in its journey," said Herbst in a news release.² "Ellie has already established itself as an innovator in the veterinary diagnostics space, and I look forward to working with this talented team to drive strategic growth, strengthen partnerships, and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers."

Sabrina Simmons, MBA, chief financial officer, Petco

Sabrina Simmons, MBA. (Photo courtesy of Petco, The Health + Wellness Co)

Three new leaders have joined Petco’s executive team. Among the new appointees is Sabrina Simmons, who is the company’s new chief financial officer. Simmons has more than 20 years of financial experience at the executive level. In her previous roles, she was the executive vice president and chief financial officer of Gap. Currently, Simmons is part of the Board of Directors of Columbia Sportswear Company and Coursera. Inc.

"I am honored to join Petco as chief financial officer and look forward to working closely with... the leadership team in creating long-term value for our shareholders," said Simmons in a company release.³ "I believe deeply in the company's mission to improve the lives of pets and pet parents and see significant opportunity to strengthen our leadership position in the category."

Michael Romanko. (Photo courtesy of Petco, The Health + Wellness Co)

Michael Romanko, chief customer and product officer, Petco

Petco’s second new appointee is Michael Romanko, who is assuming the role of chief customer and product officer after holding executive-level roles throughout the c-suite for consumer brands. In his new role, Romanko will oversee marketing, customer insights, product development, global sourcing and owned brands. In his previous role, Romanko was the chief merchandising and marketing officer at Five Below.

"Petco has long been an industry leader known for making a difference in its customers' lives," said Romanko.³ "I am excited about what this new role unlocks to elevate the Petco brand, including the opportunity to source new, unique and trendy products while delivering a completely new experience for our customers."

Jack Stout. (Photo courtesy of Petco, The Health + Wellness Co)

Jack Stout, chief merchandising officer, Petco

With more than 20 years of merchandising, planning, category management, and logistics experience in senior roles in the consumer goods industry, Jack Stout has been appointed Petco’s chief merchandising officer. In a previous role, Stout was the executive vice president and chief merchandising officer at 7-Eleven.

“I am thrilled to be a part of Petco at such a pivotal time for the company as we work to strengthen retail fundamentals and improve our merchandising capabilities," said Stout.³ "There is so much opportunity to build on Petco's strong foundation and I look forward to even deeper partnership with the leadership team as we work to realize our full potential as a best-in-class retailer

References

1. Westchester, a Chubb Company, appoints Alex Faynberg head of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. News release. Chubb INA Holdings. February 27, 2025. Accessed March 20, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/westchester-a-chubb-company-appoints-alex-faynberg-head-of-healthy-paws-pet-insurance-302387638.html
2. Ellie Diagnostics appoints Brük Herbst as chief executive officer. News release. Ellie Diagnostics. February 25, 2025.
3. Petco strengthens leadership team with appointment of three proven executives. News release. Petco, The Health + Wellness Co. February 18, 2025. Accessed March 20, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/petco-strengthens-leadership-team-with-appointment-of-three-proven-executives-302379444.html