Kennelpak announces leadership changes to continue strategic growth

Following a record-breaking year and the most successful period in its fifty-year history, Kennelpak, the trusted pet specialist wholesaler, brand owner and distributor, today announces a series of strategic leadership changes that position the company for the next phase of growth.

Claire Bayliss, who has served as CEO of Kennelpak for three and a half years, will assume the position of executive chair of the group’s board, with Nigel Wright, currently commercial director at Kennelpak, promoted to managing director, effective 1 January 2025. Further strengthening the Kennelpak leadership team, Ian Dowell has been promoted to sales & marketing director.

These changes follow a period of exceptional performance for Kennelpak, with its carefully curated portfolio of own and global brands, highlighted by the successful sale of the company’s retail business, Pets & Friends to PSR Trading Ltd in August and a record-breaking year for sales and profits. This announcement sets Kennelpak up for its next phase of growth, including a strategic relocation to new premises in the Nottinghamshire area next year.

Claire Bayliss joined Kennelpak in June 2021 bringing with her a stellar track record in board-level transformation roles from across the Endless LLP portfolio as well as extensive Plc experience.  Under her leadership, Kennelpak has gone from strength to strength and is positioned for continued growth, broadening its distributor portfolio and confirming its position as the UK’s leading provider of Himalayan dog chews with Yakers the jewel in its crown.

Bayliss said: “Serving as CEO at Kennelpak over the past three and a half years has been an honour and a privilege.  Looking back, I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together during such a transformative time for Kennelpak. The successful sale of Pets & Friends, coupled with our record-breaking sales and profits, is a true testament to the dedication, hard work, and talent of our exceptional team of colleagues and partners.

“My transition into the role of Executive Chair reflects both my deep commitment to our mission and our focus on achieving the ambitious strategic goals we’ve set for the future. This transition is part of our planned evolution to ensure Kennelpak is well positioned for its next 50 years. With Nigel at the helm as Managing Director, I am confident that we will execute on our plans and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers, partners, and investor, Endless LLP. Congratulations to Nigel and Ian on their well-deserved promotions and thank you to all of our colleagues who have supported me throughout this journey.”

Nigel Wright, who joined Kennelpak in 2022, brings a wealth of experience to the role of Managing Director, having a long and proven track record of delivering in commercial leadership roles predominantly in food manufacturing with organisations such as Arla Foods and Frank Roberts & Sons.

Wright has been instrumental in driving key initiatives at Kennelpak and, in his new role as Managing Director, will focus on positioning the company for continued success.

Wright said: “I am delighted to step into the role of Managing Director and to continue building on the remarkable journey of growth and success under Claire’s exceptional leadership.  Kennelpak has a well-deserved reputation as the go-to distributor and wholesaler in the UK for quality specialist pet products. The team and I are committed to driving further growth and success for our customers, partners, colleagues and all of our stakeholders.”

For more information about Kennelpak visit Kennelpak.co.uk