Crown Pet Foods has announced the appointment of a new Royal Canin retail sales and marketing director, May Philpott, and Crown Pet Foods e-business director, Talia Findlay.

The appointments come as Royal Canin GM Andy Reed moves on take over as regional sales and marketing director for Europe.  His replacement will be announced shortly.

May Philpott (above left) joins Royal Canin as sales and marketing director – retail, after almost 20 years in the housewares, tabletop and gardening sectors. She was sales director of Solus Garden & Leisure before the company was bought by Scotts.

Her UK and international experience has involved supplying multi-channel retail markets with premium brands, including department stores, independents, chains and online outlets, and the development, launch and establishment of market leading brands.  When not working, May enjoys spending time with her family and moggy Harvey, gardening and the great outdoors.

Commenting on her new role, May says: “Retail has changed dramatically over the last decade, and will continue to do so.  Royal Canin has always responded, and will continue to respond, to the way the market changes with flexible, up to date and innovative solutions which support the specialist pet trade, pet owners and of course pets.  I am delighted to be part of a team which is so clear about what lies at the heart of its business, continually looking for market leading solutions while staying so strong to its ‘animal first’ ethos.”

Talia Findlay (above right) takes up a newly created role as e-business director, with the task of driving the growth of e-commerce and shaping the digital agenda across Crown Pet Foods, working in collaboration with global teams to share and maximise expertise for both Royal Canin and James Wellbeloved. 

With 18 years’ experience in digital and e-commerce from both agency and in-house backgrounds, Talia says: “The e-business team at Crown Pet Foods has already established solid foundations with some effective partnerships in place; I am really excited to be part of a company which has embraced the e-business concept with such enthusiasm.  A key area for me will be ensure that we work closely with smaller independent retailers to provide them with support – online is not a barrier, but an opportunity.” 

Talia has lived in Somerset, home of Crown Pet Foods, since childhood, and now shares her home with her husband, two children, Brewster the cockerpoo, Fudge the cat and a small flock of chickens.

Outgoing GM Andy Reed says: “We are delighted to have May and Talia on board and look forward to their contributions as Crown Pet Foods, Royal Canin and James Wellbeloved continue to provide as much support as we can for the specialist pet trade.”