Wellness Pet Food Holdings Company Inc., an independent branded premium pet food platform in North America, backed by Clearlake Capital Group LP, has appointed Reed Howlett as chief executive officer. Howlett is a veteran of the premium pet food industry, with over 25 years of experience. He has served in many executive and leadership roles within the sector, including as CEO of pet food company Nature’s Variety.

“I am honored to serve as the next CEO of WellPet to build on the Company’s heritage as a pioneer in the premium-focused, natural pet food category,” said Howlett. “WellPet has an unprecedented opportunity to expand to serve more pet families by deepening our focus on providing the highest quality pet food and treats and driving nutritional innovation for our partner retailers and pet parents, and ultimately supporting the health and happiness of the pets that depend on the company’s products.”

Howlett succeeds Camelle Kent-Rizkalla, who over the last eight years helped to elevate WellPet and its brands, and will continue in an advisory capacity. “Leading WellPet for the past several years has been the thrill of a lifetime, and I have great confidence in Reed and the entire WellPet family to further WellPet’s success serving our retail partners and pet families with the very best natural nutrition,” said Kent-Rizkalla.

The company also announced the appointments of Jeffrey Watters and Paul Kayser to the board of directors.

“We are thrilled to welcome Reed and Jeff to the Clearlake family and are excited to have Paul bring his expertise to another of our portfolio company’s boards.  We look forward to working together with this team to execute on WellPet’s growth plans, driven by Clearlake’s O.P.S. framework including organically through product innovation and potential transformational acquisitions,” said José E. Feliciano, co-founder and managing partner at Clearlake. “On behalf of Clearlake and the Board, we want to thank Camelle for her exemplary service to WellPet, and we wish her the best in her future pursuits.”