Nicole Paley became chief executive of UK Pet Food, the trade association for UK pet food manufacturers, on Monday, November 2, 2026. She takes over from Michael Bellingham, who has stepped down after 22 years in the role. Paley was previously deputy CEO and has been with the association since 2003, so manufacturers and suppliers who deal with UK Pet Food will be working with a familiar face.
Who is taking over
Paley moves up from deputy CEO, UK Pet Food announced. “My focus will be on turning our ambitions into progress, strengthening our voice and ensuring UK Pet Food continues to deliver real value for its members and the wider community,” she said. Bellingham stays on as a senior advisor until March 2027 to work on specific projects and support the handover. The association has also recently appointed Charlotte Dixon as head of communications and external relations. Dixon previously chaired UK Pet Food’s communications committee for several years.
What changed under Bellingham
Bellingham joined in April 2004, when the association was still called the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) and had roughly 30 to 40 members. It now represents 108 members, including a growing group of associate members. UK Pet Food lists these milestones from his time in charge:
- steering the association through the UK’s departure from the European Union and the COVID-19 pandemic
- setting up a dedicated Raw Pet Food group to work on safety and standards
- the rebrand from PFMA to UK Pet Food in 2023
- launching the association’s Sustainability Ambition in 2025
Matt Elliott, chair of UK Pet Food and regulatory affairs manager at Mars, said Bellingham’s leadership had been “instrumental in the ongoing growth and success of UK Pet Food” over two decades. Bellingham said it had been “an enormous privilege to lead this Association for the past 22 years” and that he leaves it in good hands with Paley and the team.
What UK Pet Food will focus on next
The association says it will keep working on nutrition, safety and standards, and sustainability under Paley, while strengthening its engagement with policy makers and regulators. It also plans a particular focus on tackling misinformation about pet food, building on its Love Them Madly, Feed Them Wisely campaign, which aims to give pet owners clear, evidence-based information on pet nutrition. For retailers, that campaign is worth knowing about because it is aimed at the same questions customers bring to the shop counter.
Why it matters to the trade
UK Pet Food speaks for manufacturers on regulation, labelling and standards, so a change at the top is worth noting if you make, import or private label pet food for the UK market. Our UK Pet Food listing has the association’s details. If you’re reviewing who makes your range, you can compare pet food manufacturers, raw pet food suppliers and dog food wholesalers, or browse other pet industry associations. Treat buyers can also read our guide to buying dog treats wholesale.
This item is based on desk research of UK Pet Food’s own announcement. We have not spoken to the association.
Source: ukpetfood.org
