Apollo Partner Salim Hirji to Steer PetSmart Charities’ Strategy

PHOENIX, AZ – February 19, 2026 – PetSmart Charities, the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, has appointed Salim Hirji, a Partner in Private Equity at Apollo, to its board of directors. The move signals a strategic effort to pair high-level financial expertise with the organization's mission-driven work, aiming to enhance the scale and impact of its programs benefiting millions of pets and their families.

Hirji, a recognized leader in the finance industry, brings a formidable resume to the non-profit. His extensive board experience includes roles at major corporations like PetSmart, The Michaels Companies, and Yahoo!. This appointment places his proven track record in driving operational excellence and sustainable growth at the service of one of the nation’s most prominent animal welfare organizations.

A Strategic Infusion of Private Equity Acumen

Salim Hirji's career trajectory is marked by significant achievements. An alumnus of Columbia University, where he graduated summa cum laude, he began his career at Goldman Sachs before moving to Apollo Global Management. His financial and strategic prowess was recognized in 2018 when he was named to Forbes' prestigious "30 Under 30 — Finance" list.

His appointment is reflective of a growing trend where non-profits are tapping corporate leaders to navigate an increasingly complex philanthropic landscape. The skills honed in the world of private equity—rigorous financial analysis, strategic planning, and a focus on measurable outcomes—are becoming invaluable for charities seeking to maximize their impact. Experts in non-profit governance note that bringing business leaders onto boards can significantly increase an organization's capacity, often leading to enhanced fundraising and more efficient operations.

Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities, highlighted the value of this expertise. "We're excited to have Salim join our board," she stated. "His proven leadership, strategic insight, and focus on operational excellence will help us enhance the effectiveness and reach of our work on behalf of pets and the people who love them."

Hirji’s role will involve providing governance and oversight, joining a board of leaders from the corporate, financial, and animal welfare sectors. His experience is expected to directly influence the charity's core initiatives: pet adoption, expanding access to veterinary care, and providing hunger relief for pets.

Tackling Critical Challenges in Animal Welfare

PetSmart Charities operates at the forefront of a sector facing immense challenges. In the United States, an estimated 70 million dogs and cats are homeless, and millions enter shelters each year. A primary driver of pet surrender is the rising cost of care. One of the most significant crises in animal welfare today is the lack of access to affordable veterinary services, a problem exacerbated by a nationwide shortage of veterinarians. Recent studies show that over half of all pet owners have declined essential care for their pets due to cost, which has surged by 60% since 2014. Without intervention, projections indicate that 75 million pets could be without access to care by 2030.

PetSmart Charities has a long history of addressing these issues head-on. Since its founding in 1994, the organization has granted over $600 million and helped more than 11 million pets find homes through its in-store adoption programs. Known for its financial efficiency, it directs more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to its mission and has maintained a coveted Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator consecutively since 2003—a feat achieved by only the top one percent of rated charities.

Last year, the organization made a landmark commitment to invest $100 million over five years specifically to improve access to veterinary care. Hirji's financial stewardship and strategic oversight will be critical in guiding such large-scale investments and ensuring they deliver maximum impact for pets in underserved communities.

Beyond the Boardroom: A Mission Driven by Passion

While his professional credentials are a clear asset, Hirji's appointment is also deeply rooted in a personal commitment to animal welfare. As the devoted pet parent to his dog, Lucy, he understands the profound connection between people and their pets, a sentiment he shared upon accepting the board position.

"In my experience, pets are family members. They love you unconditionally and are there for you on the best and worst of days," Hirji said. "PetSmart Charities has helped millions of pets find homes and care as one of the largest animal-focused non-profit organizations. I'm honored to serve on a board doing such meaningful work to improve the lives of pets and their families."

This blend of professional expertise and personal passion is often cited by non-profit experts as the ideal combination for effective board leadership. A genuine connection to the mission fuels the dedication required to solve complex social problems. Hirji's role allows him to directly apply his business acumen to a cause he cares about, bridging the gap between the corporate world and philanthropy.

Scaling Compassion for Broader Impact

Looking forward, Hirji's presence on the board is poised to help PetSmart Charities not just continue its work, but scale it. His background in fostering sustainable growth in the corporate sector provides a unique lens for examining how a non-profit can expand its reach and create more durable, widespread solutions. This could involve developing innovative funding models, optimizing the logistics of disaster response, or creating new frameworks for expanding access to affordable spay/neuter and veterinary services nationwide.

By leveraging Hirji's strategic insight, PetSmart Charities aims to build upon its legacy of success. The collaboration represents a powerful synthesis of data-driven business strategy and heartfelt compassion, a combination that could redefine what’s possible in animal welfare and ensure that more pets remain healthy, safe, and in loving homes for years to come.