Freshpet Gives Nicola Baty A $675,000 Salary And 58,245 Stock Units As She Becomes President
Freshpet's operations chief keeps her COO job and gets a restricted stock grant that vests in full on June 30, 2029.
Freshpet, which makes fresh refrigerated dog and cat food, gave Nicola Baty a $675,000 annual base salary and 58,245 restricted stock units as she became President while remaining Chief Operating Officer, the company said in an 8-K filed Friday. Its board compensation committee approved the package Wednesday.
Salary, stock and bonus terms
Baty's President appointment, which the company calls previously announced, took effect October 21. The Compensation and Human Capital Management Committee of the board approved what the filing calls an enhanced package that same day.
The restricted stock units cover 58,245 shares under the company's 2024 Equity Incentive Plan. They vest in full on June 30, 2029, provided she is still employed through that date.
She is also eligible for the long-term equity programs, with an annual target of at least 250% of base salary. Her annual cash bonus target is at least 80% of base salary, tied to performance goals set by the board or a committee of it, as and if the bonus program is established.
A fresh-food maker's operating chief
Freshpet makes fresh, refrigerated dog food, cat food and dog treats, mostly under the Freshpet brand, in its own U.S. kitchens. Products reach shoppers through grocery, mass, pet specialty, club and other retailers, largely in company-owned refrigerators placed in stores.
As of December 31, 2025, it was in about 30,235 stores. In 2025, Walmart accounted for 25% of net sales and Costco for 10%, according to its annual report.
Baty's business experience is described in the company's proxy statement filed April 27, 2026, which the 8-K incorporates by reference. The filing reports no family ties to any director or executive officer and no transaction requiring disclosure.
The stock at Friday's close
Freshpet shares were at $64.12 in Friday trading, down from a previous close of $67.
The equity grant is the long-dated piece of the package: Baty must stay through June 30, 2029 for the 58,245 units to vest.
