(MENAFN- PR Newswire) "Jesica is a strategic and growth-minded leader, with an impressive career tenure working across successful retail brands" said Ken Hicks, PetSmart President and CEO. "She has led teams through significant business and process transformations, while delivering strong business results and her expertise will be invaluable as we work to advance our long-range plan."

Duarte has more than 30 years of leadership experience, having worked for some of the world's most recognized brands across retail, grocery, beauty and food and beverage industries. Duarte most recently served as Group Vice President, National Merchandising for the Albertsons Companies and spent the nearly twelve years prior at Walmart serving in various leadership roles including VP Private Brands, General Merchandise, Walmart U.S.; VP Product Development & Sourcing, Home, Walmart U.S. and Chief Merchandising & Marketing Officer for Walmart Chile. Her prior experience includes merchandising and marketing roles at Molson Coors Beverage Company, Beam Suntory, Estee Lauder and J.C. Penney.

"This is an exciting time at PetSmart, and I'm thrilled to be joining this impressive team at such a pivotal time in the business," said Duarte. "PetSmart has such a special and unique community of associates, pet parents and pets who all share the same passion and I'm looking forward to being a part of that. I'm equally pleased to bring together my own passions for merchandising, marketing and meeting the customer where they are with omnichannel capabilities and to contribute to the work being done to make PetSmart the favorite pet retailer."

A native of Chile, Duarte holds an MBA from Georgetown University and a bachelor's degree in business and economics from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. She is a proud advocate for the Hispanic community and has served as Chair of the Idaho Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

About PetSmart
PetSmart is the leading omni-channel pet retailer in North America with a mission to help everyone experience more joy with pets. The company offers a compelling assortment of pet care essentials, exclusive brands and must-have items for each season, along with expert pet services. With nearly 1,700 stores across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico – plus a seamless shopping experience at PetSmart and through the PetSmart app – PetSmart's convenient shopping options are complete with autoship, same-day delivery and in-store pickup. Expert services include a professional grooming salon in every store, veterinary care in more than 700 locations, pet training, and Doggie Day Camp and PetsHotel overnight boarding in many locations. The PetSmart Treats Rewards loyalty program provides value to pet parents through personalized offers and points on every purchase that can be used for future savings.

PetSmart and PetSmart Charities have a long-standing commitment to supporting pets and people in the communities they serve, and PetSmart Charities is the largest funder of animal welfare in North America. Together, they are proud to have helped more than 11 million pets find loving homes through in-store pet adoption programs. For more information, visit PetSmart .

SOURCE PetSmart

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