Petland Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Petland has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, revenue, finance, and franchise development.

Driven by a commitment to the human-animal bond, Petland focuses on matching pets with the right owners and enhancing customer knowledge of pet care across its global retail centers.

Leadership Roles at Petland

  • Chief Executive Officer - Dan Harari
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Joseph Watson
  • Chief Financial Officer - Bob Doerksen
  • Chief Operating Officer - Steven Steele
  • President, Gauntt Co - Steve Gauntt
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Steve Huggins
  • Dan Harari - Chief Executive Officer

    Dan Harari, the Chief Executive Officer at Petland, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational framework for the franchise's global retail presence. Harari guides the executive team in maintaining Petland's 47-year legacy of matching pets with appropriate owners and enriching the human-animal bond. This leadership involves overseeing expansion initiatives across the United States, Canada, Japan, China, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, and El Salvador, ensuring consistent service quality and adherence to franchise standards. Dan Harari's focus remains on driving sustainable growth and reinforcing Petland's market position as a premier destination for pet acquisition and education. The Chief Executive Officer's role is critical in setting the strategic direction for all business units and fostering a culture of excellence within the organization.

    Joseph Watson - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Joseph Watson, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Petland, spearheads the company's strategic vision and executive leadership, driving operational excellence across its international franchise network. Watson's mandate includes fostering strong relationships with franchise partners and ensuring the consistent delivery of Petland's core mission: matching the right pet with the right person. This involves overseeing all facets of the business, from retail operations in the United States, Canada, Japan, China, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, and El Salvador, to strategic growth planning. Joseph Watson is dedicated to enhancing the customer experience and deepening the understanding of the human-animal bond. The President & Chief Executive Officer's leadership ensures Petland's continued success and market leadership in the retail pet industry.

    Bob Doerksen - Chief Financial Officer

    Bob Doerksen, the Chief Financial Officer at Petland, oversees all financial planning, management, and reporting for the company's international franchise operations. Doerksen is responsible for managing the financial health of Petland's retail centers across the United States, Canada, Japan, China, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, and El Salvador, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic resource allocation. This includes budgeting, forecasting, and analyzing financial performance to support executive decision-making and drive profitability. Bob Doerksen plays a critical role in maintaining investor confidence and securing the financial stability necessary for Petland's continued growth and its mission of enhancing the human-animal bond. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is fundamental to the company's sustained success.

    Steven Steele - Chief Operating Officer

    Steven Steele, the Chief Operating Officer at Petland, manages the day-to-day operational execution and efficiency across the company's extensive franchise network. Steele oversees the implementation of operational strategies designed to uphold Petland's commitment to quality, full-service retail pet centers in the United States, Canada, Japan, China, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, and El Salvador. This involves ensuring that Petland Pet Counselors are equipped to expertly match pets with owners and enhance the human-animal bond. Steven Steele's responsibilities include optimizing supply chain logistics, maintaining high standards for animal welfare within retail locations, and driving operational improvements that support franchise profitability and customer satisfaction. The Chief Operating Officer's role is vital in translating corporate strategy into tangible, effective retail operations.

    Steve Gauntt - President, Gauntt Co

    Steve Gauntt, the President, Gauntt Co at Petland, leads strategic initiatives and operational oversight for the Gauntt Co division, contributing to Petland's broader franchise network. Gauntt focuses on driving business development and ensuring the effective implementation of strategies that align with Petland's core mission of matching pets with owners and enhancing the human-animal bond. This leadership role involves managing key relationships and overseeing specific operational segments that support the company's retail presence across various international markets. Steve Gauntt's contributions are integral to the overall success and expansion of Petland's franchise model, ensuring operational synergy and growth. The President, Gauntt Co's focus is on delivering value and driving performance within their designated business unit.

    Steve Huggins - Chief Revenue Officer

    Steve Huggins, the Chief Revenue Officer at Petland, drives revenue generation and growth strategies across the company's global retail operations. Huggins focuses on maximizing sales performance and expanding market share for Petland's franchise centers located in the United States, Canada, Japan, China, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, and El Salvador. This involves developing and executing commercial strategies that enhance customer acquisition and retention, ensuring the right pet is matched with the right person. Steve Huggins works closely with the sales and marketing teams to identify new revenue streams and optimize existing ones, directly contributing to the company's financial objectives. The Chief Revenue Officer's leadership is essential for sustaining Petland's long-term financial health and market competitiveness.
    Steve Huggins

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Petland Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Petland?
    Petland is led by Dan Harari (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Joseph Watson (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Bob Doerksen (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Petland’s executive team?
    The executive team of Petland includes leaders such as Dan Harari (Chief Executive Officer), Joseph Watson (President & Chief Executive Officer), Bob Doerksen (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Petland have?
    Petland has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Petland’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Petland includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Gauntt Co.