Hart brings over 15 years experience in the pet industry; most recently he served as chief executive officer and chief financial officer for Eagle Pack Pet Foods, Inc., where he successfully led the company through a transition from family to private equity ownership. During his tenure with Eagle Pack Pet Foods, Hart also built an infrastructure to support growth of branded products, and developed a go-to-market strategy for brand portfolio including product development, new brand launch, line extensions and sales team implementation plan. Previously, Hart held several sales, marketing and accounting roles primarily in the wine and spirit industry, where he led the development of sales goals, budget creation and allocation and financial performance tracking.

As Hart settles into his new role at Zuke’s, his primary focus will be to establish a global presence and awareness for the Zuke’s brand while building out an internal infrastructure to support and sustain the company’s growth.Patrick Meiering, founder and chief executive officer for Zuke’s, will remain active in his current role, and will work closely with Hart to continue the Zuke’s tradition of sustainable growth through holistic products, loving devotion to our pets, and the promotion of leading a healthy active life with your pet.

“In an effort to increase efficiency and focus, my concentration will shift from traditional sales and operational functions to marketing, branding and innovation efforts, on which Zuke’s is founded,” said Meiering. “Bringing a thoroughly seasoned and experienced president in John Hart will help Zuke’s build upon the 15 years we have devoted to the natural and organic movement in pet nutrition, while allowing me to focus on my strengths within the company as an innovator and entrepreneur.”

“I’m very excited to be joining the team at Zuke’s,” said Hart. “The company’s long history of product innovation and pioneering in functional treats for pets has established them as a leader in the pet specialty treat category. I’m looking forward to being a part of the exciting growth and innovation that lies ahead for Zuke’s.”

Meiering adds, “Zuke’s is well known for its all-natural, functional treats, as well as for its core values around our corporate social responsibility platform, such as green manufacturing and our sponsorship of the Dog & Cat Cancer Fund. We look forward to continuing to enhance these core values and beliefs, and delivering uniquely natural, organic and functional pet products that are healthy and loved by people and pets alike.”

About Zuke’s™
Zuke’s was founded in 1995 on the realization that pets need healthy, all–natural treats, just as much as people do. Named after the founder, Patrick Meiering’s loving chocolate Lab, the company is dedicated to creating tasty, healthful treats and chews that meet the unique nutritional needs of dogs and cats to keep them performing at their best. Zuke’s also supports a non-profit started by Meiering in memory of his companion. Each year, the company donates a portion of its profits to the Dog and Cat Cancer Fund in memory of Zuke. Visit them online at www.dccfund.org.

Since 2001 Zuke’s has been headquartered in Durango, Colo. and was chosen as one of the Top 50 Colorado Companies to Watch in 2009. Visit www.zukes.com for more information.