Anneke van den Broek

Having owned over 40 pets in her life, Anneke van den Broek experienced the frustration of seeing unfashionable and poorly made pet products, as well as a lack of natural alternatives. A global trend towards pet humanization (seeing your pet as human and part of the family) was beginning to sweep the world.  

Anneke took action, and drawing on her background in senior marketing and management roles, to create a new kind of pet brand — one that offered the most inspired, original and trusted products to help pets look and feel better, and make life a little easier for their pet parents too. 

Anneke is a driven, successful entrepreneur with a genuine desire to make a difference. Growing up, Anneke always knew she wanted to make an impact in the world. Her father taught her from a young age that she ‘could do anything if she tried.’ This maxim has stayed with her as a source of strength during her struggles operating a small business. 

Anneke had an entrepreneurial streak from a young age, and as a child began her first pet business selling mice to pet shops at 40 cents each. Her determination to make a difference paid off, and by age 23 Anneke was single-handedly running 300 David Jones fashion shows each year.  

Executive Management roles soon followed with leading Australian brands Blackmores, Bonds and Apparel Group. She then launched her own business, Rufus & Coco, taking the brand from start up to national grocery brand within three years, alongside the birth of her two children. 

Anneke has an AGSM EMBA, and Australian Institute of Company Directors Diploma.  

Anneke was the recipient of the 2012 Anita Prabhu Women in Business Award and is an inductee of the Business Woman’s Hall of Fame.

“Rufus & Coco are a health and beauty brand for pets. Everything we do is aimed at creating well-bred pet care to help pets around the world to look good and feel great. We offer better product solutions that help improve the lives of both pets and pet parents.”