UK Pet Food has announced Dr Matt Elliott, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Manager at Mars, as its new Chair. He succeeds Rupert Phillips of Spectrum Brands, who stepped down from the role slightly early after a move away from pet food into the animal feed sector.

With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Dr Elliott brings a wealth of knowledge across product development, quality, science, and regulation. He has been an active contributor to UK Pet Food since 2018, serving as Co-Chair of its Scientific and Regulatory Review Committee for nearly seven years. He also chairs the Additives Working Group at FEDIAF (the European Pet Food Association). 

Dr Elliott said: “It’s a real honour to take on the role of Chair, following the excellent leadership we enjoyed from Rupert Phillips. I’ve hugely valued working with the passionate team and look forward to building on that in a new capacity.

This is a pivotal time for the UK pet food industry. As we reset relationships with the EU, double down on sustainability and standards, and harness the potential of technologies like AI. UK Pet Food, and the industry more broadly, has always prided itself on being at the forefront of innovation, and part of my role as chair will be to continue the push to move the industry forward as a whole.”

Michael Bellingham, CEO of UK Pet Food, added: “We’d like to thank Rupert Phillips for his energy and leadership during his time as Chair. We’re delighted to welcome Matt Elliott into the role and look forward to working with him to help shape the future of the industry.”

Pictured: Matt Elliott (left) with Michael Bellingham and Rupert Phillips.