---
schema_version: "secwatch.filing_event.v1"
accession: "0001213900-23-058828"
form_type: "8-K"
ticker: "FRPT"
cik: "0001611647"
company_name: "Freshpet, Inc."
filed_at: "2023-07-21T23:59:59+00:00"
generated_at: "2026-06-13T04:58:03.069196+00:00"
event_type: "leadership"
sentiment: "neutral"
materiality_score: 0.5
calibrated_materiality_score: 0.5
confidence: "high"
source: SEC EDGAR
---

# Freshpet appoints Dave West to board as Charles Norris retires; Walt George named Chair

## Summary
- Director Charles Norris retired from board on July 21, 2023, earlier than previously planned.
- David J. West appointed to board and Audit Committee, effective July 21, 2023; will stand for election at 2023 annual meeting.
- West is former CEO of Big Heart Pet Brands and Hershey, with 30+ years of CPG and pet food experience.
- Walter N. George III appointed Chair of the Board; board now 10 directors, 9 independent.

## SEC filing metadata
- accession: 0001213900-23-058828
- form_type: 8-K
- ticker: FRPT
- cik: 0001611647
- company_name: Freshpet, Inc.
- filed_at: 2023-07-21T23:59:59+00:00
- event_type: leadership
- sentiment: neutral
- materiality_score: 0.5
- calibrated_materiality_score: 0.5
- confidence: high
- sec_items: 5.02, 8.01, 9.01
- EDGAR index: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1611647/000121390023058828/0001213900-23-058828-index.htm
- EDGAR primary document: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1611647/000121390023058828/ea182161-8k_freshpetinc.htm

## Machine-readable alternates
- HTML: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001213900-23-058828
- JSON: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001213900-23-058828.json
- Plain text: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001213900-23-058828.txt

## Key facts
- Executive change
  David J. West was appointed as Director at Freshpet, Inc..
  - Action: appointed
  - Role: Director
  source text: on July 21, 2023, the Company, upon the recommendation of the Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee of the Board, appointed David J. West to the Board, effective immediately upon Mr. Norris’ retirement.
  evidence_url: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1611647/000121390023058828/0001213900-23-058828-index.htm
- Executive change
  Walter N. George III was appointed as Chair of the Board at Freshpet, Inc..
  - Action: appointed
  - Role: Chair of the Board
  source text: the Board has appointed Walter N. George III to serve as Chair of the Board, effective immediately upon Mr. Norris’ retirement on July 21, 2023.
  evidence_url: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1611647/000121390023058828/0001213900-23-058828-index.htm
- Executive change
  Charles Norris retired as Chair of the Board at Freshpet, Inc..
  - Action: retired
  - Role: Chair of the Board
  source text: On July 20, 2023, however, Mr. Norris informed the Board of his intent to retire as of the earlier date of July 21, 2023.
  evidence_url: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1611647/000121390023058828/0001213900-23-058828-index.htm

This AI-assisted summary is a reading aid. Review the linked SEC EDGAR filing before relying on any specific claim.