Kent Corp. announced Thursday that Kevin Fields has been appointed the company’s new president and chief operating officer. The appointment was effective June 21. Fields succeeds John Thorpe, who has announced his intention to retire, effective Jan. 1.

Fields joined the Kent family of companies in 1998. Most recently, Fields was Kent’s president and chief administrative officer, where he was responsible for managing all shared business services as Kent expanded its product portfolio globally. He also led the formation of Kent Pet Group and served as its president for three years, according to a news release.

His more than 30-year manufacturing career includes stints at Rockwell International and Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc., the release said.

Fields graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in industrial technology and manufacturing and holds a Master of Business Administration from Drake University.

He currently serves on the boards of Muscatine Power and Water and Mazen Animal Health Inc.