PetSmart Appoints Former Walmart Executive as Chief Commercial Officer

PetSmart has appointed Jesica Duarte as its new Chief Commercial Officer, bringing over 30 years of leadership experience from companies such as Walmart and Estée Lauder. Duarte will oversee PetSmart's proprietary brands, digital, marketing, and merchandising functions, with a focus on growth strategy, customer experience, and market share. The appointment follows leadership changes at the retailer, with CEO Ken Hicks praising Duarte's strategic and growth-minded leadership.

PetSmart has appointed Jesica Duarte as its new Chief Commercial Officer, bringing over 30 years of leadership experience from companies such as Walmart and Estée Lauder. Duarte will oversee PetSmart's proprietary brands, digital, marketing, and merchandising functions, with a focus on growth strategy, customer experience, and market share. The appointment follows leadership changes at the retailer, with CEO Ken Hicks praising Duarte's strategic and growth-minded leadership.

Duarte's new role is designed to kickstart PetSmart's growth strategy, improve customer experience, and increase market share. She will manage the company's proprietary brands, digital, marketing, and various merchandising functions. As she begins her tenure, PetSmart is expanding its product assortment ahead of Halloween. On Tuesday, the company debuted its 2025 Thrills & Chills Halloween collection, featuring costumes, apparel, accessories, toys, and treats for cats, dogs, and other small pets.

Duarte's appointment follows other leadership changes at the retailer. Last fall, then-President and CEO J.K. Symancyk exited the pet retailer after a six-year tenure to become the CEO of Signet Jewelers, with Hicks succeeding him in late October. Retailers in the pet space are facing declining sales amid broader economic uncertainty. PetSmart's rival, Petco, saw its Q1 net sales fall 2.3% year over year to $1.5 billion, but the company stuck to its full-year guidance, forecasting that its net sales will be down in the low-single-digits. Similarly, Bark in its most recent quarter reported a 5% drop in total revenue to $115.4 million. Last month, Bark received a noncompliance notice from the New York Stock Exchange because its stock price fell below an average closing price of $1.00 per share for more than 30 days.

Duarte brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having led teams through significant business and process transformations while delivering strong business results. Her expertise will be invaluable as PetSmart works to advance its long-range plan.

References:
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/petsmart-hires-former-walmart-exec-122300434.html
[2] https://www.retaildive.com/news/petsmart-names-walmart-jc-penney-exec-chief-commercial-officer/756943/