Renowned corporate executive brings extensive omni-channel customer experience and marketing expertise to fast-growing Haygain.
UK-based Haygain, a leading international equine health company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Donna Noce Colaco as Chair of its Board of Directors.
Known as a strategic leader, transformational brand architect and a catalyst for growth, Donna brings extensive expertise in corporate marketing and customer experience to broaden Haygain’s reach and impact.
Until recently President and Chief Customer Officer of Pier 1 Imports, Inc. (NYSE:PIR), a US $1.5 billion home decor retailer, Donna is currently Chair of fashion retailer Matilda Jane Clothing. She is also a Non-Executive Director of Dover Saddlery, Inc., the world’s largest omni-channel equine retailer, and a Non-Executive Director of Sundance Holdings Group LLC, a premium lifestyle retailer founded by actor and director Robert Redford.
Prior to Pier 1 Imports, Donna was a member of the Executive Committee of US $2.1 billion specialty retailer Chico’s FAS Inc. (NYSE:CHS) and President of its White House/Black Market fashion business. White House/Black Market grew from US $400 million to US $900 million in revenues under her leadership.
Previously, Donna was President of Ann Taylor Stores Corp.’s US $1 billion Loft division. While running Loft, she was an early pioneer of a customer centric culture driving product localization and segmented marketing.
Donna is Founding Board Chair of Dress For Success’s South West Florida chapter and the namesake of the Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s Donna Noce Colaco Going Beyond Award, which is given to volunteers who use their personal experiences with breast cancer to help others.
Donna is an accomplished amateur equestrian, giving her a unique perspective from which to understand and project Haygain’s benefits, along with insights regarding horse owners’ interests, preferences and buying habits.
Donna, who is also making an equity investment in Haygain, takes the reins from Dr. Bernard West, who has held the position since 2016. Under Bernard’s guidance the Company experienced a quadrupling of sales and a doubling of gross margins. Bernard will continue as Haygain’s Vice Chair.
Donna arrives as Haygain continues to experience strong growth, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Haygain’s products resolve performance-limiting respiratory, digestive, and musculoskeletal conditions affecting horses. The Company is revolutionizing the global horse care industry with progressive products such as high-temperature Hay Steaming, ComfortStall Orthopedic Sealed Flooring and its Forager Slow Feeders.
Haygain’s products align with the proactive practices embraced by elite human athletes. These methods are rapidly migrating to the realm of elite equestrian athletes who recognize the performance and well-being benefits of Haygain’s equipment.
Horses of all breeds and performance paths benefit greatly from the Company’s products. Their owners source products and information in myriad ways and Donna is an expert in tapping them all to deliver Haygain’s message with the breadth and depth necessary for conversion to sales.
Donna Noce Colaco, Chair of Haygain, commented:
“I am delighted to be joining the Haygain Board of Directors and honored to have been selected as Chair. It is a privilege to align with such an accomplished board and executive team. I look forward to working alongside Edzo, his team and the board to build on the positive momentum in the business.
As a passionate equestrian and businesswoman, I have been incredibly impressed with the depth of knowledge and science-backed solutions that Haygain brings to market. Their commitment and investment into the health and well-being of our equine partners is exceptional. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring my love of horses and my omni-channel business experience together to grow the brand’s global reach.”
Bernard West, Vice Chair of Haygain, stated:“It is a great pleasure to hand over the Chair of Haygain to Donna, who has all the abilities, experience and background to lead Haygain to the next level. Donna’s joining further broadens Haygain’s Board following the earlier additions of John Dunlap and John Madden, who both have strong backgrounds in business and the equine world. I look forward to continuing to work with Edzo and the entire Board to maintain Haygain’s momentum.”
Edzo Wisman, Chief Executive of the Company, added:
“Extensive science proves the many benefits of Haygain’s products, and Donna has just the right experience to lead our fast-growing team in bringing them to horses of all breeds and pursuits throughout the world. We have seen substantial growth to date, and I know that Donna’s comprehensive marketing and retail channel savvy will help us multiply that going forward. We are incredibly proud to have her join our Board. “
About Haygain
Haygain partnered with the Royal Agricultural University in the United Kingdom and Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in the United States when developing its proprietary and best-in-class principal products. Haygain Hay Steamers eliminate up to 99% of the debilitating contaminants found even in hay of good nutrient quality. They are unique in achieving the temperatures required to kill mold, fungal spores, bacteria and reduce other respirable particles and allergens found in even top-quality hay.
The company’s best-in-class and equally acclaimed ComfortStall Sealed Orthopedic Flooring benefits joint and respiratory health and promotes deep sleep. It is widely used in veterinary hospitals and in the stables of elite equine athletes and regular horses. Significant reduction in bedding and labor costs and reduced bedding waste and removal are additional benefits.
Haygain markets its products in over 20 countries and they are used by competitive equestrians, horse owners and veterinarians worldwide. For more information on Haygain, including the extensive research supporting its hay steamers and stall flooring, click here.
Photos courtesy Haygain.