H&H Group has named Rafi Kalachian as CEO of H&H Group North America. The company’s brands in the region include Zesty Paws and Solid Gold Pet.
Kalachian has 25 years of experience with consumer businesses. Most recently, he served as vice president of marketing for Health Extension Pet Care and held senior roles at pet brands such as Canidae Pet Food and Mars Petcare’s NUTRO, as well as brands such as Sony Music Entertainment and Nissan Motor Co.
“I am honored to serve as H&H Group’s new CEO of North America and look forward to working with such impactful and iconic brands,” said Kalachian.
Akash Bedi, chief strategy and operations officer at H&H Group and interim CEO, said, “I’m pleased to welcome Rafi to H&H Group North America. He has years of experience in the pet industry, is a strong strategic and creative thinker, and has a vast knowledge of growing consumer businesses – a perfect skillset for leading the organization into the next phase of growth. We want to extend our gratitude to Steve for his years of commitment, and his continued support of these brands.”
Kalachian’s predecessor, Steve Ball, served as CEO of Zesty Paws from August 2019 to October 2021, and was instrumental in the brand’s acquisition to H&H Group in October 2021. Ball then held the position of CEO of H&H Group North America where he spearheaded innovation, accelerated expansion, and led product development for the four brands, including Solid Gold Pet.
Ball said, “I’m confident the organization will be in great hands under Rafi’s leadership, and I’m excited for him to see H&H North America into its next chapter of growth. It’s been an amazing experience and privilege to lead Zesty Paws and Solid Gold, and subsequently the H&H North America brands. As the time has come for me to transition this role, I couldn’t be more excited for Rafi and the team.”