Dan Waters Takes the Helm as CEO of 'I and love and you' to Drive Growth and Innovation
Dan Waters Takes Leadership at 'I and love and you'
'I and love and you', a top name in the independent pet food sector, recently made headlines by appointing Dan Waters as their Chief Executive Officer. This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the brand as it aims to enhance its growth trajectory and expand its reach in the ever-evolving pet food market. Dan will oversee the company's initiatives, including the integration of the recently acquired cat food brand, Made by Nacho.
A New Chapter in Pet Nutrition
Dan Waters arrives at 'I and love and you' with substantial experience in the consumer products industry. Before joining, he served as the CEO of Hu, a prominent natural chocolate brand in both the U.S. and UK. His previous roles included leading Enjoy Life Foods as CEO and holding senior marketing positions at Bel Brands in the U.S. and Europe. During his career, Dan has been recognized for steering brands to sustained double-digit growth while maintaining a commitment to quality and transparency.
In his words, "The 'I and love and you' team recognized the trend toward clean labels in pet food long before it became mainstream. Today's health-conscious pet owners are as discerning about their pets’ diets as they are about their own meals. They demand genuine, high-quality ingredients, particularly in the cat food market, which still shows a significant gap in premium offerings. With both 'I and love and you' and Made by Nacho, we are dedicated to delivering options that cat parents across the country have been craving."
A Historical Overview
Founded in 2010, 'I and love and you' has championed the mission of making high-quality pet food accessible to every type of pet family, catering to both cat and dog owners. The company prides itself on a diverse range of offerings, from products featuring real meat as a primary ingredient to superfoods and grain-free selections, all devoid of fillers or artificial additives. With an expansive presence in over 30,000 outlets nationwide, including natural food stores, grocery chains, and e-commerce platforms, the brand continues to broaden its omnichannel footprint.
Notably, earlier this year, 'I and love and you' acquired Made by Nacho, a cat food brand associated with culinary innovation, featuring co-founder Bobby Flay in a key role as Chief Culinary Officer. This strategic acquisition is part of the brand's vision to elevate its culinary approach, ensuring a robust lineup of pet-approved recipes.
The Future of 'I and love and you'
Dan's extensive experience in the consumer packaged goods sector is already being highlighted by industry experts. Cara Hoy, managing director at L Catterton, which has a majority stake in 'I and love and you', has claimed, “Dan is proficient in transforming brands into market leaders. His tenure with brands like Babybel and Enjoy Life illustrates his excellence in driving growth while retaining the essence of what makes a brand cherished by consumers.”
As Waters prepares to guide 'I and love and you' toward its next growth phase, he faces new challenges, especially in promoting the premium aspects of pet foods. With a burgeoning pet food market and increasing focus on health among pet owners, the company is well-positioned to lead this trend. By leveraging high-quality ingredients and the extensive culinary insights from chefs like Bobby Flay, 'I and love and you' aims to set new standards in the pet food industry.
Conclusion
The appointment of Dan Waters as CEO heralds an exciting new chapter for 'I and love and you'. As the brand strengthens its market presence and expands its portfolio to include Made by Nacho, it continues its mission of serving health-conscious pet owners nationwide. With its unwavering commitment to quality and genuine ingredients, 'I and love and you' is poised for remarkable growth in the premium pet food arena.