It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Nicola “Nic” Dechamps on January 9th, 2022. Nic leaves behind his loving family and will be remembered for his astute business acumen.
Loving father of Leonard and Caroline. Cherished grandfather of Marie and Bruno and brother of Claudius, Daniel and Madeleine. Nic was also a devoted uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Nic began his career in consumer marketing at Reemtsma International GmbH. Later he continued in the top management of Helena Rubinstein GmbH where he was also a member of the L’Oreal Group Board. Then Nic was the Deputy Managing Director at Cartier GmbH.
His pet industry career started with the position of Senior Vice President at Iams Pet Food International, Inc. and then he continued as the Managing Director at Iams Pet Food GmbH & Co. KG.
Nic decided to become independent of the corporate world in 2001 as the Founder and Managing Director of GENIC International GmbH a strategy and execution focused consulting business who advises and supports companies in the development of trade strategies, multi-channel sales concepts as well as approaching new sales channels in the consumer goods industry.
In addition, Nic proudly served as a non-executive board member on the board of Fressnapf Holding SE and several other internationally active companies.
Nic was also the Chairman of Global PETS Forum since 2000.
He will be sadly missed by his colleagues in the business industry:
Torsten Toeller, Founder and the owner of Fressnapf:
“For over 20 years, Nic supported me and Fressnapf | Maxi Zoo. First he provided guidance as a consultant with the strategy and organization in an international context and later as a member of the Board with the overall development of the company. Nic was full of life and a great person who, with his values, fitted well with Fressnapf and me. He became my friend and certainly one of our last unforgettable events was the Board offsite on Mallorca in September, 2021. He was cheerful and confident. That is exactly how I will remember and miss Nic, like many others who knew him”.
Corine van Winden, the board member of PETS International/GlobalPETS:
“Since 1999, PETS International/GlobalPETS has worked closely together with Nic Dechamps. In 1999, the first GlobalPETS Forum took place, Nic was one of the speakers and did impress us with his expert professional knowledge and attitude. That was the start of close cooperation where Nic acted as the chairman on the GlobalPETS Forum, for over 20 years. Nic was the perfect chairman, he fulfilled his position professionally, was dedicated, and with a touch of humor. In conjunction with his suggestions, we have been able to expand the forum as well as to bring it to the professional level where it is today”.
Bob Moran, former CEO, PetSmart and Interim CEO, GNC (United States):
“Nic was a deep strategic thinker and unique problem solver who always made us come out of our comfort zone and made us think differently about how we approached business solutions. However, most of all, he was my very dear friend. Nic was kind soul who was bright spark in this world. Nic touched everybody’s lives in a positive way and made it a point to make all those he encountered feel important and special. Nic showed up when it mattered, had your back, gave to those in need and would defend and stand-up for his friends and colleagues should the need for it arise. Nic made the world a safer place for all of us. Nic will be deeply missed”.
Yulia Dolzhenkova, Zooinform (Russia):
“Nic Dechamps was a keynote speaker at many Russian pet business events since many years. His knowledge and experience were very much appreciated. He helped a lot of retailers in Russia to grow and become successful. And driven by his interest and natural curiosity he loved to come to Russia and explore its places, history, culture. Highly-professional, intelligent, devoted and respectful person – this is how the Russian pet industry community will remember Nic Dechamps”.
