GREEN BAY, WIS. — Carnivore Meat Company, parent company of raw frozen and freeze-dried pet food brand Vital Essentials, named Mandy Gayle senior director of National Sales on July 28. Gayle will leverage 18 years of experience in the pet food industry to lead Carnivore’s national sales team.

Throughout her career, Gayle has held various sales roles at Natural Balance Pet Foods, KLN Family Brands, Lucy Pet Products and, most recently, Open Farm. During her time with Open Farm, Gayle served as vice president of sales and built the pet food company’s sales organizations from the ground up. She has expertise working closely with distributors and independent retailers to help premium pet food brands grow across North America.

“Mandy’s appointment is an important commitment to our independent pet retail partners,” said Heather Govea, chief executive officer of Carnivore Meat Company. “The indie pet channel is critical in our industry, it’s where education for pet parents happens, and is also a place for discovery of new products and solutions. Mandy has deep relationships across both indie pet retailers and distributors, so her leading the team will help us ensure we’re meeting the needs of the channel.”

In her new role at Carnivore, Gayle will develop the company’s sales strategy and work directly with distributors, independent retailers and other key retail partners in North America. She will ensure independent retailers have the necessary tools, education and support needed to help them stand out and can provide a valuable experience to pet owners.  According to Carnivore, her appointment reflects its continued investment in expanding the Vital Essentials brand, while advancing its dedication to the independent pet channel. 

“What attracted me to Carnivore Meat Company was its commitment to quality, its relationships across the industry, and a culture that puts pets and people first,” Gayle said. “The best opportunities come down to people, purpose and impact, and this one had all three. Right now, my focus is listening: spending time with our sales team, our distributors, our retail partners, figuring out what’s working and where we can do better.”

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.

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