4 J.W. Childs execs will join the Outward Hound board.
(Press Release) DENVER, CO — Outward Hound has entered into a partnership with consumer products and retail expert J.W. Childs Associates.
J.W. Childs has a portfolio of current and exited investments including brands such as Meow Mix, Hartz, Pinnacle Foods, Kosta Browne, Mattress Firm, Bass Pro Shops and RevZilla.com.
“Outward Hound will continue creating innovative products in the pet space and could not be more excited about our new partnership with J.W. Childs that will take us to the next level with both our retail partners and consumers,” said Outward Hound founder and Chief Woof Officer Kyle Hansen. “We completed four acquisitions over the last three years, including Petstages, Dublin Dog, Nina Ottosson and Bionic, with the goal now of expanding our portfolio even more in current and new categories.”
“We’re excited about our investment in Outward Hound and the fantastic leadership team that has built one of the fastest growing brands in the pet space,” said J.W. Childs Partner David Fiorentino. “The innovative product portfolio in multiple categories create exciting opportunities to deliver great products for pet parents around the world and accelerate growth.”
Four executives from J.W. Childs will join the Outward Hound Board of Directors: partners David Fiorentino and Adam Suttin, Vice President Kyle Casella and operating partner Philip Damiano.
Damiano, former CEO of Idea Paint, COO of Velcro and president of Esselte, a Rubbermaid Company, will be appointed chairman of the board, working closely with Hansen and management.
Damiano said, “I’ve been actively involved in numerous brands over the last three decades and am extremely impressed with the best-in-class performance the Outward Hound management team has delivered. I’m excited to be working closely with Kyle and the great team as they continue to grow and develop the Outward Hound brand portfolio around the world.”