BARK Promotes Michael Black to President, Core Business; Matt Meeker to Oversee Long-Term Strategy

BARK, Inc. has promoted Michael Black to President, Core Business, overseeing the Company's direct-to-consumer and commerce segments. Black will work closely with the leadership team to expand BARK's reach and deepen its connection with dog families. Matt Meeker, Co-Founder and CEO, will continue to oversee the Company's long-term strategic vision and new growth opportunities.

BARK, Inc. (NYSE: BARK), a leading global omnichannel brand for dogs, has announced the promotion of Michael Black to President, Core Business. In this new role, Black will oversee the company's direct-to-consumer and commerce segments, working closely with the leadership team to expand BARK's reach and deepen its connection with dog families [1].

Michael Black, who joined BARK in 2024 as Chief Revenue Officer, has played a central role in sharpening the company's go-to-market strategy, strengthening retail partnerships, and driving healthy growth in its Commerce segment, which grew 27% year-over-year in fiscal 2025. With over two decades of leadership in the pet industry and consumer goods, Black has been a key architect of BARK's recent progress and momentum [1].

Matt Meeker, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BARK, will continue to oversee the Company's long-term strategic vision, including expanding its services business and advancing future growth initiatives. Meeker stated, "Michael has been an extraordinary partner since joining the team. His commercial instincts, operational discipline, and genuine passion for serving dogs and their people make him the right leader to help take BARK into its next chapter. Elevating him to run our Core Business was an easy decision, and it will allow me to focus on driving BARK’s long-term strategic vision" [1].

Black, who holds an M.B.A. from the University of Arkansas and a Bachelor of Arts from Brigham Young University, resides in Bentonville, AR with his family and their Newfoundland named Chewie. Prior to joining BARK, he served as the Founder and President of Paragon International Advisors, a consulting firm focused on partnering with private equity investors in the pet industry, and as a Board Advisor to PetLab Co. He also served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Revenue Officer of Outward Hound, leading the company through a successful digital transformation and significant growth [1].

References:
[1] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/BARK/bark-promotes-michael-black-to-president-core-56xxn5pxjyrw.html