Pet Food Express and Rainier Partners Announce New CEO

(PRESS RELEASE) CONCORD, CA and SEATTLE, WA — Pet Food Express and Rainier Partners announce the appointment of retail executive Denyelle Bruno as CEO of Pet Food Express, an omnichannel pet retailer that sells healthy pet foods, goods, and services from over 60 locations throughout California. The company partnered with Rainier Partners earlier this year.

As a nationally recognized leader in retail, personal care, and hospitality, Bruno brings 25 years of experience and an impressive track record of driving growth at companies such as Apple, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Tender Greens, Drybar, and others. She holds a deep passion for the pet industry and currently serves as a Board Director for the American Veterinarian Group. Recent accolades for Bruno include recognition from the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Women’s Leadership Awards, 2020 CEO of the Year, National Restaurant News’ 50 Most Influential Women, and more. Bruno has made a powerful impact throughout her career as an experienced retail executive with a devotion to brand identity and an emphasis on company culture.

“Throughout my career, I’ve diligently pursued opportunities in industries in which I am truly passionate, as well as cultures and products I’m proud to stand behind — making Pet Food Express the perfect fit for me and my two dogs: Bowie and Coco,” said Bruno. “By being on the cutting edge of pet industry trends, providing innovative product offerings, and delivering incredible customer service, Pet Food Express has created a best-in-class culture and a phenomenal foundation for exciting growth and expansion.”

Founded by Michael Levy over forty years ago, Pet Food Express has helped pioneer the evolution of the pet industry and built a world-class reputation as a customer-first pet retailer that offers the highest quality pet products and services while championing local pet shelters and charities.

“Bruno coming on board is an exciting and natural evolution of our company,” said Levy, who will continue his leadership as president at Pet Food Express. “As we look towards the company’s future, our goal is to maintain our exceptional culture. Our community focus, along with an unflinching desire to do what’s right for our pets and their owners, will always remain our highest priority.”

“An impressive, experienced, growth-oriented leader, Bruno is a perfect fit for Pet Food Express, and we are thrilled to welcome her as CEO,” said Rainier’s director of portfolio operations, Dave Shephard. “Michael and the team at Rainier knew we wanted a leader with experience in scaling and building brands while maintaining the heart of a company — and Bruno is exactly that. The team at Rainier is excited to continue to back Pet Food Express as the company enters this next phase of growth.”

About Rainier Partners

Rainier Partners is a Seattle-based private equity firm investing in lower middle-market services businesses. We look for opportunities where we can actively support business owners and management teams by providing growth capital, operational resources, and strategic partnership. Learn more at www.rainierpartners.com.

About Pet Food Express

Pet Food Express is California’s trusted independent pet retailer, dedicated to helping pets live longer, healthier lives. Founded by Michael Levy, Pet Food Express has reimagined pet care by focusing on the very best brands and products. PFE team members are extensively trained in all aspects of animal health and sell only those products they trust to use with their own pets, from the healthiest nutrient-rich foods to high-quality supplements to convenient services like their signature in-store pet washes. The company is a committed partner to almost 300 non-profit animal rescue and shelter organizations, providing them every year with much-needed aid through fundraising, product donations, help recruiting and retaining volunteers, and adoption support. Visit the PFE website at www.petfood.express.