Posted Wednesday, June 11, 2008, 12:43 p.m., EST

Marshall Meyers

Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council commenced a search for its next leader and reorganized its management structure as part of a four-year plan to bolster its independence and continuity. The search is designed to address succession concerns for current executive vice president and general counsel Marshall Meyers, who has led the group since its formation in the 1970s.

Under the new plan, the group would make its presidency a staff position, change Meyers’ title to chief executive officer and general counsel, and change its current elected presidency, now held by Elwyn Segrest of Segrest Farms, to chairman of the board.

American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, World Wide Pet Industry Association and Pet Industry Distributors Association have pledged funding for the new position for three years.

Once hired, the new president will report to the board of directors and train under Meyers. The president will be responsible for developing long-term strategic plans in carrying out PIJAC’s mission “to promote responsible pet ownership and animal welfare, foster environmental stewardship and ensure the availability of pets.” The new president also will oversee PIJAC’s operations in marketing and branding, membership, education and credentialing, communications, administration and the eventual relocation of PIJAC’s offices to new headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The new president will assume responsibility for PIJAC’s advocacy and regulatory affairs activities from Meyers, likely after about a year’s transitional period. Meyers then will become a consultant to PIJAC, under the four-year plan.

Other aspects of the plan, contingent of funding, include growing the legislative affairs staff by three additional staffers to divide the country into regions (West, East and Midwest) so the staff can build closer relationships with industry members and legislators and regulators on a state level. The trade association retained executive search firm SDG Associates to conduct the search and Meyers believes a candidate will be chosen in time for PIJAC’s October board meeting.

The search committee will include Segrest, Frank Koch of Natural Balance, Ruth Jeffers of JeffersPet (representing WWPIA), Jeff Sutherland and Jim Heim of Central Pet, Joel Adamson of Sergeant’s (representing APPMA) and Roger Lambert of Lambriar. Bill Brant of the Gourmet Rodent will serve as an alternate.

The president will oversee an existing staff of 8 and a $1.75 million budget. <HOME>