PBI-Gordon Companies, Inc. Delivers Record Growth and Investment in R&D as Multi-Year Strategic Plan Is Paying Off

Audio By Carbonatix

SHAWNEE, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 10, 2025--

PBI-Gordon Companies, Inc. today announced that its multi-year strategic growth plan is delivering exceptional results, including an increase in sales of nearly 60%, increased investment in research and development of nearly 150%, and more than a 50% increase in the number of employee-owners to over 630.

As part of the strategic growth plan, on November 1, 2025, Dr. Jacqueline (Jackie) Applegate, who currently serves as Chief Operating Officer, as planned, will succeed Steve Clifford as President and CEO, leading PBI-Gordon Companies, Inc. and its subsidiaries—PBI-Gordon Corporation, Pegasus Laboratories, TriviumVet and Pet-Ag, Inc. The COO position will not be filled, rather each of the businesses will report to Dr. Applegate.

“Steve’s visionary approach and unwavering leadership have not only guided PBI-Gordon Companies through periods of significant growth and transformation but have also laid a strong foundation for long-term success,” said Donald A. Chew, Executive Chairman of PBI-Gordon Companies. “Steve’s ability to inspire teams, drive strategic initiatives, and navigate complex industry challenges has elevated our organization to new heights. We are profoundly grateful for his exceptional service and lasting contributions during his tenure.”

Clifford added, “It has been a privilege to serve this company and our exceptional employee-owners. Working closely with our Board, we undertook a rigorous and thoughtful process to identify the right leader to guide PBI-Gordon Companies into its next chapter. Dr. Applegate’s proven track record, strategic vision, and deep understanding of our industry made her the clear choice, and I have every confidence she will position the company for even greater success.”

Dr. Applegate joined PBI-Gordon Companies as COO in July of 2024, after spending 32 years at Bayer with extensive experience in global agribusiness, animal health, and specialty markets. In her new role, she will focus on advancing the company’s leadership position in the specialty turf and ornamental, animal health, and pet care markets.

“I am honored to lead PBI-Gordon Companies and build on the strong foundation Steve has established,” said Dr. Applegate. “Our talented team is dedicated to delivering trusted solutions that enhance our communities and the lives of our people and pets, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead.”

Next-Phase Leadership

The organization also announced new positions within the Executive Leadership Team designed to propel the company into the next phase of growth and long-term success. These strategic appointments align leadership talent with critical business priorities, and ensures the company is well-equipped to continue to accelerate innovation, strengthen operations, and drive sustained performance in a competitive market.

Scott Howard, an 18+-year veteran of the company, has been appointed to Chief Scientific and Technical Officer where he will lead the development and execution of an R&D technology roadmap, ensuring the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to accelerate and optimize R&D efforts across the organization and subsidiaries.

Tim Demerath, a 6+ year veteran of the company, has been appointed to a newly-formed role of Chief Transformation Officer responsible for leading enterprise-wide change initiatives that drive growth, operational excellence, and competitive advantage.

Joyce Lee, a recognized leader in animal health, having held executive leadership positions at Cobb Vantress, Elanco, Zoetis and Pfizer Animal Health, has joined the company as the General Manager/SVP for Pegasus Laboratories. In this role, Lee will oversee strategic operations, drive innovation, and strengthen collaboration between Pegasus Laboratories & TriviumVet.

Strategic Investments in Research and Development

In addition to a people investment, the company has made significant investments in R&D, underscoring commitment to delivering innovative solutions for its customers across its subsidiaries, PBI-Gordon Corporation, Pegasus Laboratories, and Pet-Ag, Inc. This funding has accelerated new product development, increased and streamlined production capabilities, and enhanced the company’s ability to meet market demands.

Earlier this year, the company completed the acquisition of Trivium Vet, a strategic move that strengthens its commitment to advancing veterinary therapeutics and improving animal health worldwide. The move was the largest transaction in the company's 77-year history and includes the addition of an innovative new product, Felycin®-CA1, to the Pegasus Laboratories/PRN® Pharmacal portfolio of products, a first-in-class therapy designed to manage ventricular hypertrophy in cats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Pegasus Laboratories/PRN Pharmacal just completed phase I of a significant multi-year investment at its campus in Florida aimed at expanding warehousing, laboratory facilities, and high-tech manufacturing capabilities. This initiative will enhance operational efficiency and innovation, and drive substantial job creation across the region.

About PBI-Gordon Companies
PBI-Gordon Companies has been in business in the Kansas City metro area since 1947 and is 100 percent employee-owned. It is the parent company to four subsidiaries which develop, manufacture, and market leading products for Turf and Ornamental Industries (PBI-Gordon Corporation), Companion Animal Pharmaceuticals (Pegasus Laboratories & TriviumVet), and Companion Animal Nutritional Supplements and Grooming Supplies (PetAg).

View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250910902203/en/

CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT:

Andrea Henderson, Phone: 816-460-6284 Cell: 816-739-3657,[email protected]

KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA KANSAS

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BIOTECHNOLOGY PHARMACEUTICAL OTHER MANUFACTURING PETS HEALTH CONSUMER MANUFACTURING CLINICAL TRIALS

SOURCE: PBI-Gordon Companies, Inc.

Copyright Business Wire 2025.

PUB: 09/10/2025 09:00 AM/DISC: 09/10/2025 08:59 AM

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250910902203/en