(PRESS RELEASE) Oxbow Animal Health has announced hiring and appointments of several staff members.
Senior Leadership Team
Beau Denker and Niki Riecken
Beau Denker has been hired as director of food safety and quality and Niki Riecken as controller. Denker and Riecken have also joined Oxbow’s senior leadership team, which is responsible for defining Oxbow’s strategic planning and growth.
Denker comes to Oxbow from Clasen Quality Chocolate in Wisconsin, where he served as head of the food quality and safety team. His food ingredient career also includes positions with ConAgra Foods and Cargill Corn Milling. He holds degrees in chemistry and geography from Wayne State College in Nebraska.
Riecken has more than 25 years of accounting experience for manufacturing companies in the Omaha and Lincoln areas. Prior to joining Oxbow, Riecken was assistant controller with Malnove Inc. Riecken holds degrees in mathematics and business administration from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
“Adding professionals like Beau and Niki to the Oxbow team maintains our standards of excellence,” said Deb Buhro, CEO of Oxbow. “Their experience, vision and passion will be invaluable to the senior leadership team as we work toward making sound business decisions for the future of Oxbow Animal Health.”
“I’m excited to be part of a growing company that strives every day to enrich the lives of pets and their owners,” said Ricken. “Oxbow always has been and always will be a business that genuinely cares about the well-being and development of the entire team.”
“I am honored to join the Oxbow family,” said Denker. “I look forward to working with a brand that holds quality and growth in such high regard. These are exciting times for Oxbow.”
Sales and Marketing Team
Three new positions have been added to the company’s sales and marketing team: Tim Ehresman as brand manager, Tracy Kosmacek as international account manager and Taylor Schmidt as regional account manager.
As brand manager, Ehresman’s responsibilities include devising long-term vision and strategies for product lines and categories, analyzing market data, developing solutions to address customers’ needs, and developing product positioning strategies. Prior to joining Oxbow, Ehresman held roles with ConAgra and Proctor and Gamble.
Kosmacek has more than 10 years of experience in the animal health industry, most of that time in the international sector. He comes to Oxbow from Neogen and earned management and marketing degrees from Drake University. At Oxbow, Kosmacek specifically focuses on maximizing product growth in the European market.
As regional account manager, Schmidt serves as the main contact for retailers, distributors reps, and key partners in the southern territory. Schmidt graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in animal science. She brings industry experience with companies including Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health and Hill’s Pet Nutrition to her role at Oxbow.
“Adding these talented individuals to our sales and marketing team aligns with our commitment to grow the Oxbow brand,” Buhro said. “Their knowledge and experience will be invaluable for our future.”
APPA Board Appointment
Jeremy Baker, vice president of strategic business development and a member of Oxbow’s senior leadership team, has been appointed to the board of the American Pet Products Association.
“Jeremy is an accomplished and dynamic leader with extensive experience in the pet industry and management,” Buhro said. “His ability to produce high quality work and commit to important organizations like APPA serves as an example to his team and fellow coworkers at Oxbow.”
As an APPA board member, Baker will play a key role in strategic planning and development to promote the health and advancement of the pet industry.
“Being appointed to the board of the American Pet Products Association is a highlight of my career,” Baker said. “I look forward to using my knowledge of the pet industry to work collaboratively with the board and staff at APPA, to continue to strengthen the industry and increase pet ownership in a dynamic and rapidly changing industry.”
In addition to the APPA board, Baker has served on the board of the Midwest International Trade Association since 2014, where he contributes to the mission of promoting better understanding and appreciation of the significance of international trade in the economy.
oxbowanimalhealth.com