Strategic leadership transitions support integration after acquisitions and position PFX for continued growth and operational excellence.
PFX, the leading distributor in the PET special industry, today announced several leading transitions and campaigns when the company enters an exciting new chapter after the acquisition of selected assets from Animal Supply Company (ASC).
“These leadership updates reflect our commitment to building a stronger, more uniform organization,” says Michael Baker, President and CEO. “We adapt our people, priorities and processes to support long -term growth and continue to deliver excellence for our partners.”
Jim Martin retires as CFO after three years of service
After three influencing years as CFO Jim Martin officially made on March 14, 2025. Jim's contribution to building a strong financial basis, running cooperation and mentoring to new leaders has left a lasting legacy at PFX.
“Jim's steady guidance and integrity has helped to shape who we are today,” Baker said. “We thank him for his service and wish him well in retirement.”
Leadership transitions and meetings
Paul McCarron has been appointed CFO and will monitor accounting, financial planning and analysis (FP&A) and procurement. Former Chief Operating Officer gives Paul deep experience of leadership for accounting and supply chain and will continue to build on the strong financial work that Jim Martin lays.
Elaine Rei-Lavalley will continue to lead the accounting and financial team through this transition. She will be supported by Joe Meddings, Oleg Nikitin, Carmen Cochran and Michael Martin. Brian FredricksThe former ASC's manager of FP&A, has Joined PFX in the same role and brings with them a team of very skilled FP&A professionals.
Phylicia Proulx, Chief of Staff, will support executive leadership to drive adaptation and strategic initiatives. She will also serve as temporary head of purchasing operations throughout integration.
Brian WyrostekSvp for business intelligence & 3p/ps leadership, wI report directly to Michael Baker and continue to lead initiatives such as costs for serving analysis, while monitoring pet Supers, 3PL and continuous improvement. Mike Neylon and his team will report to Brian.
Upper row (left to right): Michael Baker, Jim Martin, Paul McCarron
Bottom row (left to right): Phylicia Proulx, Brian Wyrostek
Strengthening commercial strategy
As part of a uniform commercial strategy, PFX adapts sales, customer experience, supplier development and commitment and innovation under a strategic vision. The company is pleased to announce the following campaigns and new meetings:
- Joe Carras has been named Senior Vice President, Neighborhood PET (NHP) commercial strategy. Joe will lead commercial initiatives throughout the business and utilizes its extensive background in merchandising and consumer products, including leadership roles at ASC, Pepsico and Target.
- Sarah Daniels has been appointed Vice President, NHP Sales. Sarah will lead the national sales team and works closely with sales manager Jenny Mutter, Michael Alavara and Amber Zarella.
- Kelly Pye has been promoted to senior director, customer experience and will cooperate with directors Sarah plants and Erick Joerin to deliver exceptional service.
- Stacey Picher has been named Senior Director, Engagement & Innovation. In this recently reinforced team, Stacey will develop the former Marketing Department to an anticipation, customer -centric function.
Upper row (left to right): Joe Carras, Sarah Daniels, Kelly Pye
Bottom row (left to right): Sarah Plants, Erik Joerin, Stacey Picher
“These leadership changes mark an important milestone in our development,” Baker said. “We are building an organization designed for agility, collaboration and growth. Our new leaders provide talent, energy and vision needed to take PFX into the future.”
Leadership transitions support PFX's broader strategy to strengthen the business, modernize systems and accelerate growth in the developing PET special landscape.
