Jim Persinger joined PetSmart in 2015 and currently serves as President of PetSmart Canada, where he is responsible for overseeing the company’s merchandising, marketing, and operations across stores in nine provinces. 

Before joining PetSmart, Jim held several leadership positions at Payless ShoeSource, in merchandising, sourcing, and international development in the U.S., China, and Japan. 

First Job: Jim’s first job was at a fast-food restaurant.

Education: He earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Kansas State University. He and his family are pet parents to two rescue cats, Jupiter and Cosmo and a dog named Zuri.

Board Involvement: Currently, Jim serves as Chairman of the Board for PetSmart Charities of Canada. In addition, he is on the Board of Directors for Pets Canada, a member-based organization advocating on behalf of the Canadian pet industry, while acting as a credible source of information and education for pet-related businesses.