(PRESS RELEASE) Seattle-based company Austin and Kat has recently expanded its staff within the explosive pet wellness market. Ryan Dermody, named vice president of sales, comes to Austin and Kat with more than five years at Outward Hound, where he managed the U.S. distribution network for the independent pet channel and simultaneously guided his team through two private equity acquisitions.
Dermody will be responsible at Austin and Kat for managing the sales team and developing closer relationships with the company’s growing portfolio of regional and national accounts. He’ll also be implementing a comprehensive sales and marketing plan to expand the Austin and Kat brand in the U.S.
“I’m excited to join Austin and Kat and contribute to the amazing team and culture they have already established,” he says. “Austin and Kat is positioned for explosive growth. Our brand story, quality of products, and industry expertise put us in a great position for success — both in the short and long term.”
“After an exhaustive search, I’m thrilled to have Ryan join our team,” says Kat Donatello, founder and CEO of Austin and Kat. “His depth of experience in the industry, coupled with his enthusiasm and knowledge of the pet/CBD space, is an asset we’re proud to have.”
Austin and Kat began in Donatello’s home kitchen in 2014 as a way to assist her aging dog Brady into his golden years with the help of a naturally occurring component of hemp called cannabidiol (CBD). CBD has been shown to ease pain, calm inflammation, and quell anxiety in pets. It soon grew into a full-fledged product line of biscuits and oils — and continues to expand today to answer the growing demand. All Austin and Kat products are still created by hand in small batches, using all-natural, locally sourced ingredients.
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