Former Royal Navy flight commander and helicopter pilot Nick Hastilow has joined James Wellbeloved as UK market director, taking control of sales, marketing, innovation and the Somerset-based UK factory. 

He will report directly to Nutro in the USA, but the James Wellbeloved brand remains strongly part of the Crown Pet Foods UK family, with Crown retaining responsibility for operational issues including logistics, distribution etc.

Prior to joining James Wellbeloved, Nick spent 12 years with the Mars, Inc chocolate business, the last six of which were spent working in the USA. 

His new role sees him working closely with Crown Pet Foods and Royal Canin UK general manager Andy Reed, to ensure that both brands continue to benefit from the established organisation and relationship aspects across the specialist pet sector.

Commenting on his new role, Nick says: “I am delighted to be a part of James Wellbeloved, a brand which has so much to offer pets, owners and the specialist pet trade.  Although I am relatively new to pet food, it’s a fascinating market with so many opportunities still to grow our brand and grow our retail partners’ businesses alike.”

Andy Reed says: “Nick’s arrival means that James Wellbeloved can continue to grow, with a very clear focus on its own strategy for the future, doing what it does best – providing the specialist pet trade with a unique, natural brand which has enormous support behind it. 

“Retailers will not notice any difference in operational terms – you will still get your deliveries, service, merchandising and so on, and both Royal Canin and James Wellbeloved will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Nick is married, has three children – and a golden Retriever, Jasper, who is already enjoying James Wellbeloved Adult Lamb & Rice!