Pet Food Institute names Elise Fennig as president and CEO

Elise Fennig President and CEO The Pet Food Institute

The Pet Food Institute has appointed Elise Fennig as its new president and chief executive officer, effective March 16. She takes the helm from Dana Brooks, who led the U.S. pet food industry's primary trade association for eight years.

America's leading pet food trade body has a new chief. Fennig, who built her career navigating national trade associations and food industry advocacy, steps into one of the sector's most influential leadership roles at a moment of steady organizational momentum.

Most recently, she served as chief of staff and senior vice president of industry engagement at the National Confectioners Association, where she oversaw operations, strategic initiatives, and cross-functional teams. She has also held leadership roles at the Consumer Brands Association, the American Frozen Food Institute, and The Kraft Heinz Company.

"Elise is an accomplished executive with deep experience across the food industry and a strong understanding of the issues facing manufacturers today," said Scott Salmon, chair of PFI's Board of Directors. "She is the right leader to build on PFI's momentum and to guide the organization into its next chapter."

Brooks, who departs after steering the organization since 2018, expressed confidence in her successor. "Elise's leadership experience, collaborative approach, and commitment to supporting food makers make her exceptionally well-suited to lead PFI forward," she said.

Fennig holds a graduate degree in public relations from the University of Florida and a bachelor's degree in foreign affairs and Spanish from the University of Virginia. PFI members manufacture the vast majority of dog and cat food and treats sold in the United States.