American Pet Products Association Honours Rolf C. Hagen

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) has announced that it has renamed its Hall of Fame Award to the Rolf C. Hagen Award, in honour of the company’s Founder and Chairman, who passed away in October.

The lifetime achievement award was created in 1968 to recognize and pay tribute to pet industry leaders who have made significant and lasting contributions to the pet care trade. Rolf C. Hagen was a recipient of APPA’s Hall of Fame Award in 1999.

“We are honoured to recognize Mr. Hagen’s memory, by recognizing others that exemplify many of the attributes and qualities that he possessed and that our industry so greatly benefited from. He was the definition of a true leader and his achievements, dedication and support to the pet industry and various organizations within will be remembered. It is our hope that this award further highlights his great legacy,” stated Bob Vetere, President of APPA.

Responding to the announcement, Rolf Hagen Jr., President and CEO of Rolf C. Hagen Inc. said, "The Hagen family is honoured by this gesture, especially because the award meant a lot to him when he received it in 1999. We hope that the renaming of APPA’s Hall of Fame Award will spur interest in Rolf C. Hagen's belief in the right to sell pets under the proper husbandry conditions–which is the entire basis of the pet care industry."

Hagenhas also announced the appointment of Dieter Hagen as Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President of Sales.

DieterHagenjoined the company in 1959 after it was founded by his brother Rolf C. Hagen in 1955. For 53 years, he has made a direct and significant impact on the extraordinary growth and enduring success of Rolf C. Hagen Inc.

An integral part of the Hagen Dream Team–which consisted of Rolf C. Hagen and Horst Hagen–Dieter Hagen has been instrumental in transforming a fledgling seed-importing company into a leading, family-owned, multi-brand pet supplies corporation with a vast sales and distribution network around the globe. 

Widely respected and admired by his colleagues and peers, Dieter Hagen’s successful track record for building and growing strong and lasting sales relations inNorth Americaas well as around the world is unmatched in the pet care industry.

"After the loss of our beloved and respected Chairman, it would be too much to bear to lose Dieter's leadership and vast experience. One would be hard-pressed to find anyone in this or any other industry with his business acumen and longevity. We are proud that Dieter will continue to play an active role at Rolf C. Hagen Inc., his 53 years experience building our company are invaluable and deeply respected. We are thrilled to continue to have Dieter with us," said Rolf Hagen Jr., President and CEO of Rolf C. Hagen Inc.

Responding to the new appointments, Dieter Hagen stated, "I am glad to be part of this company’s bright future and look forward to playing a leading role in the decision-making process. This has been a labour of love for me and I feel as passionate about it now as I did on day one.”

APPA’s announcement can be viewed online at http://media.americanpetproducts.org/press.php?include=143431.