ST. LOUIS • Joseph R. Sivewright, president of Nestlé Purina PetCare, will become CEO on Jan. 1, succeeding W. Patrick McGinnis, the St. Louis-based company announced today.
McGinnis will become non-executive chairman of the company.
McGinnis’ career at Purina has spanned more than 42 years. He joined Ralston Purina in the corporate management training program and was promoted through a range of assignments, eventually becoming head of marketing.
He was appointed vice president of Grocery Products for Canada, then CEO of Grocery Products North America and finally president and CEO of Ralston Purina in 1999.
McGinnis is credited with playing a key role during the 2001 acquisition of Ralston Purina by Nestlé S.A., helping combine the two organizations.
People are also reading…
In announcing the news to employees, Nestlé Zone Americas Head Laurent Freixe said, “Pat has had a truly outstanding career with Ralston Purina and Nestlé. Pat’s experience, judgment and wisdom have provided stability and credibility in an increasingly volatile competitive environment.” He added that McGinnis has presided over dozens of new innovations in the PetCare business, including the introductions of Beneful, Fancy Feast Appetizers and Broths, Shredded forms in dry dog food, and most recently Tidy Cats LightWeight Litter.
McGinnis has also been heavily involved in the community, supporting numerous charities and Washington University in St. Louis.