Billy Slaughter

Background

About Billy Slaughter

WHAT I DO I am a quality-driven, detail-oriented, and entrepreneurial executive with ~20 years of progressive leadership experience in pet food product development, including supply chain leadership, quality systems, and food safety. I leverage food science, strong work ethic, and food manufacturing experience to drive cost savings while elevating customer satisfaction. I possess extensive experience in proximate, microbiological (salmonella), food toxins, and additional pathogens relative to pet food and pet food recalls. Active and supportive member of the Pet Food Institute’s Regulatory Affairs Committee. WHAT SETS ME APART FROM OTHERS -Leadership: I build high-performing teams that never settle for “good enough” and aim for excellence via mentoring and coaching to dig deeper and challenge beyond comfort zones-Strategic Planning: I translate vision into actionable business initiatives that consistently achieve desired outcomes-Innovation: I foster research and development to drive and support new product development from concept to commercialization-Operational Excellence: I elevate quality standards and safety practices by using automation tools for process optimization. ACHIEVEMENTS -Enabled Merrick Pet Care to become first pet food maker to obtain SQF Level 3 for both dry and wet manufacturing by leading “Power of Excellence” initiative to obtain above-standard certifications, including USDA Organic-Supported due diligence in numerous pet food divestitures and acquisitions, including sale of Merrick Pet Care to PE, acquisition of Castor/Pollux, sale to Nestlé Purina, and J.M. Smuckers’ divestiture of Natural Balance Pet Foods-Raised $1M+ in affording children golf and other life-changing opportunities by founding Ryan Palmer Foundation. WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT ME Trustworthy Unparalleled work ethic Practical problem-solver Grow talent by pushing beyond comfort zones Set high standard bar Aim for excellence Recognize and appreciate team first High Integrity MY CORE COMPETENCIES Operations - Product Quality - Process Improvements - Food Safety Standards - Resource Management - Value Professionalism - Strong Relationships Applications: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), SalesForce, PowerBI, NetSuite