Pet Food Express and Rainier Partners announce new CEO

Pet Food Express and Rainier Partners announce the appointment of retail executive Denyelle Bruno as CEO of Pet Food Express, an omnichannel pet retailer that sells healthy pet foods, goods, and services from over 60 locations throughout California. The company partnered with Rainier Partners earlier this year.

As a nationally recognised leader in retail, personal care, and hospitality, Mr Bruno brings 25 years of experience and an impressive track record of driving growth at companies such as Apple, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Tender Greens, Drybar, and others. She holds a deep passion for the pet industry and currently serves as a Board Director for the American Veterinarian Group. Recent accolades for Bruno include recognition from the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Women’s Leadership Awards, 2020 CEO of the Year, National Restaurant News’ 50 Most Influential Women, and more. Mr Bruno has made a powerful impact throughout her career as an experienced retail executive with a devotion to brand identity and an emphasis on company culture.

“Throughout my career, I’ve diligently pursued opportunities in industries in which I am truly passionate, as well as cultures and products I’m proud to stand behind — making Pet Food Express the perfect fit for me and my two dogs: Bowie and Coco,” says Mr Bruno. “By being on the cutting edge of pet industry trends, providing innovative product offerings, and delivering incredible customer service, Pet Food Express has created a best-in-class culture and a phenomenal foundation for exciting growth and expansion.”

Founded by Michael Levy over forty years ago, Pet Food Express has helped pioneer the evolution of the pet industry and built a world-class reputation as a customer-first pet retailer that offers the highest quality pet products and services while championing local pet shelters and charities.

“Bruno coming on board is an exciting and natural evolution of our company,” says Mr Levy, who will continue his leadership as president at Pet Food Express. “As we look towards the company’s future, our goal is to maintain our exceptional culture. Our community focus, along with an unflinching desire to do what’s right for our pets and their owners, will always remain our highest priority.”

“An impressive, experienced, growth-oriented leader, Bruno is a perfect fit for Pet Food Express, and we are thrilled to welcome her as CEO,” says Rainier’s director of portfolio operations, Dave Shephard. “Michael and the team at Rainier knew we wanted a leader with experience in scaling and building brands while maintaining the heart of a company — and Bruno is exactly that. The team at Rainier is excited to continue to back Pet Food Express as the company enters this next phase of growth.”