Feeders Pet Supply Names New President for Growth
The regional pet retailer has appointed industry veteran Craig Knies to lead the company as it enters its next phase of expansion.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Pets — General
Feeders Pet Supply appointed Craig Knies as company president, effective September 13, 2026. The appointment brings a veteran with 40 years of industry experience to lead the pet retailer as it continues its expansion strategy.
Why it matters
This leadership change signals a continued push for growth for the retailer, which has completed six acquisitions over the last decade. Evansville pet owners may notice strategic shifts in store operations as the company evolves under new management.
The retailer operates under a 100% employee-owned model established in 2023, following its founding in 1959. The company has finalized six acquisitions over the past decade to expand its footprint.
The players
Craig Knies
The newly appointed president of Feeders Pet Supply who holds 40 years of industry experience.
Feeders Pet Supply
A long-standing regional pet retailer founded in 1959 that is now 100% employee-owned.
Houchens Food Group, Inc.
The organization where Craig Knies previously served for 19 years.
The details
Craig Knies joins the firm with 40 years of professional industry experience, including a 19-year tenure at Houchens Food Group, Inc. The retailer functions as a fully employee-owned organization, a status it achieved in 2023. These corporate changes follow a decade of aggressive growth marked by half a dozen separate business acquisitions.
Timeline
Feeders Pet Supply began operations in 1959.
The company became 100% employee-owned in 2023.
Craig Knies appointment became effective September 13, 2026.
The Home Front
The company's 2023 transition to 100% employee ownership aligns with the broader trend toward employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) in the retail sector. This governance structure often influences how regional pet supply chains prioritize customer service and local community investment.
Pet owners in Evansville should keep an eye on local store announcements for any changes to loyalty programs or in-store services under the new leadership. Monitor the official company website to see if the recent corporate acquisition activity impacts product availability at your local shop.
The takeaway
The appointment of a new president highlights a period of significant structural change for this long-standing regional retailer. Local pet owners can track how these leadership and ownership transitions shape their shopping experience by visiting their neighborhood storefronts regularly.
Further reading
For more updates on regional pet retail news, visit the Pets — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Petage.
