The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) announced this 2023 Friend of Pet Food Award winner, Angele Thompson, Ph.D., founder and president of Thompson PetTech.
Jerry May, vice president of government and trade affairs at Freshpet, the award was presented on January 30 at the AFIA Pet Food Conferencewhich occurs simultaneously with IInternational Production and Processing Expo (IPPE).
“Dr. Thompson has contributed to the advancement of innovation, product development, and nutrition in the pet food industry,” said Louise Calderwood, AFIA’s director of regulation. to present this award in recognition of his leadership.”
In his current role as an independent consultant, Thompson draws on his extensive experience in the pet food industry and offers nutrition, product development and regulatory services, and guides companies toward innovative solutions that prioritize pet health and welfare . In addition, he has served in numerous roles with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), including speaking on expert panels for the development of Nutrient Profiles and Protocols, and as an industry advisor to the AAFCO Ingredient Definitions Committee and AAFCO Pet Food Committee.
“I am very fortunate to have entered the pet food industry early in my career and continue to contribute to the lives of pets and those who love them,” she said. Thompson.
Thompson began his career as a nutritionist at Heinz Pet Products and rose to the role of technical services manager of nutrition, analytical laboratory and animal feeding laboratory. After moving to Kal Kan, now Mars Pet Care, Thompson led research and development efforts as product development team manager of cat brands for the United States and Canada. In 1997, he started his independent consulting firm, Thompson PetTech.
Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a doctorate in nutritional biochemistry from the University of Arizona.
Launched in 2019, the AFIA Friend of Pet Food Award recognizes individuals who have recently made significant contributions to support the growth of the pet food industry. So far, eight people have received this award. Learn more about the award on the AFIA website.
