Leadership Overview
Hartz has 5 executives leading key functions including strategic management, marketing, human resources, and operational leadership.
Focused on enhancing the bond between pets and owners, Hartz delivers innovative pet care solutions through a commitment to quality, health, and longevity for animals across global markets.
Focused on enhancing the bond between pets and owners, Hartz delivers innovative pet care solutions through a commitment to quality, health, and longevity for animals across global markets.
Leadership Roles at Hartz
Christina (Tina) Lelay - President & Chief Executive Officer
Christina (Tina) Lelay, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Hartz, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire pet care portfolio. Overseeing the development of flea and tick treatments alongside wellness products, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that every innovation aligns with the core mission of improving pet health. This leadership role involves managing complex supply chains and driving North American market expansion to maintain a competitive edge in the pet industry. By fostering cross-departmental collaboration, Christina (Tina) Lelay optimizes operational efficiency and product quality standards. The President & Chief Executive Officer also engages with the board to secure long-term growth objectives. Through rigorous oversight of product safety and consumer satisfaction metrics, Lelay guarantees that the company remains a trusted name for pet owners seeking reliable, high-quality supplies for dogs, cats, and small animals.
Tatsuya Suto - President & Chief Executive Officer
Tatsuya Suto, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Hartz, manages the international business integration and corporate governance frameworks. Focusing on the expansion of cat litter and accessory lines, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives global market penetration and operational scalability. This role requires constant coordination with manufacturing partners to ensure that production capacity meets rising consumer demand for premium pet treats and toys. By analyzing market trends and consumer behavior, Tatsuya Suto architects strategies that strengthen the brand presence across diverse geographic regions. The President & Chief Executive Officer also monitors financial performance to ensure sustainable profitability and resource allocation. Through disciplined leadership, Suto maintains the integrity of the 91-year history while pushing for modern technological advancements in pet care. Ultimately, Suto secures the company's position as a leader in the global pet products sector.
Ted Stern - President
Ted Stern, the President at Hartz, directs the operational execution of the company's diverse product lines, including bird, fish, and small animal supplies. Overseeing the day-to-day manufacturing processes, the President ensures that production facilities maintain the highest quality standards for all pet accessories and wellness items. This leadership role involves streamlining logistics and distribution networks to improve service delivery across regional markets. By coordinating with department heads, Ted Stern optimizes resource utilization and operational efficiency. The President also monitors product development cycles to ensure that new ideas and technologies reach the market promptly. Through rigorous oversight of operational workflows, Stern supports the company's goal of providing rewarding experiences for pets and owners alike. Ultimately, Stern drives the tactical implementation of corporate strategy, ensuring that every product meets the rigorous demands of the modern pet care market.
Hiro Kodama - Chief Marketing Officer
Hiro Kodama, the Chief Marketing Officer at Hartz, directs all brand positioning and consumer engagement initiatives for the extensive pet care product range. Overseeing digital marketing campaigns and retail partnerships, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the value proposition of flea and tick drops reaches target demographics effectively. This leadership role involves analyzing consumer data to refine advertising strategies for cat and dog treats, toys, and wellness products. By aligning marketing efforts with product innovation, Hiro Kodama drives brand loyalty and market share growth. The Chief Marketing Officer also collaborates with sales teams to optimize promotional activities across major retail channels. Through creative storytelling and data-driven insights, Kodama elevates the company's reputation as a provider of high-quality pet supplies. Ultimately, Kodama strengthens the emotional connection between the brand and pet owners, ensuring consistent growth in a competitive landscape.
Mercedes Figueroa - Vice President Chief Human Resources Officer
Mercedes Figueroa, the Vice President Chief Human Resources Officer at Hartz, directs all talent acquisition, organizational development, and employee engagement programs. Overseeing the workforce strategy, the Vice President Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the company attracts top-tier talent capable of supporting the manufacturing and innovation goals for pet care products. This leadership role involves designing performance management systems that reward excellence and foster a culture of continuous improvement. By implementing robust training initiatives, Mercedes Figueroa aligns staff capabilities with the evolving needs of the pet industry. The Vice President Chief Human Resources Officer also manages internal communications to maintain organizational alignment with the corporate mission. Through strategic workforce planning, Figueroa supports the operational scale required to deliver high-quality pet supplies globally. Ultimately, Figueroa cultivates a high-performance environment that drives the company's long-term success and commitment to pet health.
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