APPA announces board changes

Todd Regan (left) was appointed as the new Chairman and  Dr Oliver Knesl joined the APPA Board.

The American Pet Products Association (APPA), the leading trade association for the pet industry, has announced new board positions and a new board member for 2025. Todd Regan, General Manager, Central Specialty Pet at Central Garden & Pet, has been appointed as the new chairman. Savina Singh, CEO of JoJo Modern Pets, has been appointed secretary/treasurer. Dr Oliver Knesl, director and medical director, Petcare Pain Portfolio, Global Medical Affairs at Zoetis, has joined the APPA board of directors.

Regan has more than 25 years of experience in the consumer products industry and has held senior positions at Central Garden & Pet for the past 15 years. During his tenure at Central, he has been responsible for several divisions including aquatics, reptiles, small animals, pet birds and game birds.

“On behalf of the entire association, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new director”, said Regan. “Dr Knesl brings a wealth of veterinary expertise and global industry experience that will be invaluable to the APPA Board. His deep commitment to animal health and the human-animal bond aligns perfectly with our mission and we look forward to his contributions as we continue to serve the pet community.”

Singh is the founder of JoJo Modern Pets, a pet products company inspired by her rescue dog, JoJo. Since launching the brand in 2012, Singh has grown JoJo Modern Pets into a leading independent manufacturer, importer and distributor, supplying major retailers and more than 2 000 independent pet stores across the United States.

The APPA Board of Directors is made up of pet industry professionals from across the United States who work together to achieve the association's goals and represent the interests of its diverse membership. The APPA Board of Directors also includes Tommy Baroody, vice president of sales, North America for Nestle Purina Petcare (immediate past president); Kevin Fick, board advisor for PetWise, Inc. (director); and Josh Patterson, vice president of sales USA at Montego Pet Nutrition (director).