Feeders Pet Supply Names Craig Knies President
The veteran executive brings 40 years of industry experience to his new role at the pet retailer.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Pets — General
Feeders Pet Supply officially appointed Craig Knies as president on September 13, 2026. Knies brings four decades of professional experience to the company, including a 19-year tenure at Houchens Food Group, Inc.
Why it matters
The appointment marks a key leadership shift for the organization as it navigates its recent transition to an employee-owned model. Knies joins the firm as it continues to expand its market footprint following a decade of aggressive acquisition activity.
Feeders Pet Supply, which began operations in 1959, has completed six acquisitions over the last 10 years. In 2023, the retailer completed a transition to become 100% employee-owned.
The players
Craig Knies
He is the newly appointed president of Feeders Pet Supply who previously spent 19 years at Houchens Food Group, Inc.
Feeders Pet Supply
This retail organization provides pet products and transitioned to a 100% employee-owned business structure in 2023.
The details
Craig Knies arrives at the retailer with an extensive background in management developed over his four-decade career. The company remains a prominent fixture in the pet supply space, with historical operations in Evansville, Indiana, through its association with Pet Food Centers.
Timeline
Feeders Pet Supply was founded in 1959.
The company became 100% employee-owned in 2023.
The appointment of Craig Knies became effective on September 13, 2026.
Culture Shift
The company's transition to a 100% employee-owned structure in 2023 aligns with data from the National Center for Employee Ownership's data on ESOP conversions. This appointment follows that move, reflecting a broader national trend toward prioritizing internal worker-owned business models in the retail sector.
Evansville residents familiar with Pet Food Centers may see shifts in service as new leadership implements strategies for the employee-owned firm. Customers should watch for changes in product availability or store programs resulting from the updated management direction.
The takeaway
The move to bring on a veteran executive like Craig Knies signals a focus on stability for the growing, employee-owned pet retailer. Consumers should monitor how this leadership change influences future store operations and local service standards.
Further reading
For additional context on the local pet industry, visit the Pets — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Petage.
