- Dr. Rob Polzer will retire at the end of 2025 after a decade of leadership advancing veterinary innovation.
- Dr. Kevin Esch, currently SVP of Global Therapeutics, will assume the R&D presidency effective January 1, 2026.
- Dr. Polzer will remain as a scientific advisor through 2026 to ensure a seamless transition.
- Zoetis continues to lead the industry with significant annual approvals and a robust R&D pipeline.
- An Innovation Webcast is scheduled for December 2, 2025, to share updates on Zoetis’ innovation strategy.
Zoetis Inc. (NYSE: ZTS) announced that Dr. Rob Polzer, Executive Vice President and President of Research and Development, will retire at the end of 2025 following a decade of transformative leadership in advancing veterinary science and innovation. Dr. Kevin Esch, D.V.M., M.P.H., Ph.D., Dipl. ACVP, has been appointed to succeed him as President of Research & Development effective January 1, 2026.
Dr. Esch, currently Senior Vice President of Global Therapeutics, joined Zoetis in 2014 after more than 10 years as a practicing veterinarian and practice owner. In his new role, he will become a member of the Zoetis Executive Team and report directly to Chief Executive Officer Kristin Peck.
Dr. Polzer will continue in his role through 2025 and retire officially on February 28, 2026. He will serve as a scientific advisor to Zoetis throughout the year to support a smooth leadership transition and continued R&D momentum.
“Rob’s vision, scientific rigor, and commitment to our purpose have enabled Zoetis to remain at the forefront of animal health,” said Kristin Peck, CEO of Zoetis. “We are deeply grateful for his dedication and lasting contributions. As he transitions to an advisory role, Kevin and I look forward to his continued counsel as we build on the strong foundation he has created.”
Peck continued, “Kevin’s leadership and commitment to scientific innovation have elevated Zoetis’ global therapeutics portfolio and inspired teams across the organization. His forward-thinking approach and passion for veterinary medicine will guide Zoetis in addressing unmet needs through disruptive innovation and continued growth.”
About Dr. Kevin Esch
Dr. Esch joined Zoetis in 2014 and has led numerous global research programs in pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals. His leadership has strengthened Zoetis’ companion animal and livestock portfolios, integrated major acquisitions such as Petmedix and Adivo, and fostered a strong research culture. He holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Ph.D. from Iowa State University and a Master of Public Health from the University of Iowa. Dr. Esch is board-certified in Veterinary Anatomic Pathology and remains active in veterinary research organizations.
About Dr. Rob Polzer
Dr. Polzer joined Zoetis in 2015 after a two-decade career with Pfizer in human health research. As head of Global Therapeutics and later as R&D President, he guided the launch of multiple blockbuster therapies, advanced new therapeutic areas, and championed AI-driven drug discovery. His leadership helped secure Zoetis’ position as the world leader in animal health innovation.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
