Phillips Pet Food & Supplies has announced a planned leadership transition following which President Nick Christensen will become chief executive officer (CEO), while long-serving CEO Blaine Phillips moves into the role of Executive Chairman. The transition will become effective from July 27, 2026. The succession forms part of the company’s long-term leadership strategy. It has been developed over several years to ensure continuity as the US pet products distributor enters its next phase of growth.
Under the new structure, Blaine Phillips will remain closely involved in the business, overseeing strategic direction, board governance and key relationships with customers, vendors and stakeholders. He will also continue to be one of the company’s largest investors, alongside Central Garden & Pet and the majority shareholder, Axar Capital, reflecting his ongoing commitment to the business.
Phillips has spent 40 years with the company and has played a central role in transforming the family-owned feed store into one of the largest distributors of petfood and supplies in the United States. He previously led the business as CEO from 1981 to 2016 before rejoining the company in February 2021. During his leadership, he also spearheaded the strategic joint venture with Central Garden & Pet, which expanded growth opportunities and strengthened value for customers, vendors and partners.
In a statement, Phillips said, “The transition had been planned carefully.” It reflected the strength of the company’s leadership team. He added that the depth of decades of experience across commercial operations, supply chain, finance, technology and human resources gave him confidence in the continuity of Phillips Pet Food & Supplies’ long-term strategy and future growth.
Christensen joined Phillips in 2021 as Senior Vice President of Operations before being promoted to Chief Operating Officer and later President. During his tenure, he has led initiatives to strengthen operational capabilities, improve supply chain efficiency and enhance customer service. Before joining Phillips, Christensen held leadership positions at C&S Wholesale Grocers’ Western Region and United Natural Foods, bringing more than two decades of distribution and supply chain experience to the role.
Commenting on the appointment, Christensen said, “Our newly combined business has significant opportunities to expand partnerships, deepen relationships and deliver improved service to both vendors and customers.” He added that Phillips’ people and longstanding industry relationships position the company well for its next era of development.
Founded in 1938, Phillips Pet Food & Supplies operates 24 distribution centres across the United States, supplying pet specialty retailers with petfood and supplies while supporting manufacturers through nationwide distribution and logistics services.