- Connor Lawrie appointed CEO after nearly a decade in leadership roles at Heartland
- Greg DeAtkine transitions from CEO to board member following period of expansion
- Leadership change part of a planned succession strategy backed by Gryphon Investors
- Lawrie previously served as President and COO, overseeing growth and operations
- Heartland continues expansion as a leading U.S. veterinary support organization
Heartland Veterinary Partners has announced the appointment of Connor Lawrie as chief executive officer, marking a planned leadership transition aimed at supporting the company’s continued growth and long-term strategy.
Lawrie, who has served as Heartland’s chief operating officer for nearly 10 years and as president and COO for the past three years, steps into the CEO role after playing a central role in scaling the organization’s operations and infrastructure.
Planned succession and leadership continuity
The transition follows a structured succession plan supported by Gryphon Investors, the private equity firm backing Heartland. Leadership emphasized Lawrie’s deep operational experience and alignment with the company’s culture and growth strategy.
During his tenure, Lawrie has overseen key areas including field operations, strategic growth initiatives, marketing, integrations, procurement, and facility development. He joined Heartland in 2017 when the organization had only a small number of practices and has helped guide its expansion to nearly 350 locations across 32 states.
Outgoing CEO moves to board role
Greg DeAtkine, who previously served as CEO and led the company through a significant period of growth, will transition to Heartland’s board of directors. In this capacity, he will continue to provide strategic guidance and support to the leadership team.
Company leadership credited DeAtkine with shaping Heartland’s development and positioning it as a major player in the veterinary support organization (VSO) space.
Continued growth in the VSO sector
Heartland Veterinary Partners is among the fastest-growing veterinary support organizations in the United States, focused on partnering with independent veterinarians through a values-driven acquisition and support model.
Backed by Gryphon Investors, the company continues to expand its footprint while emphasizing operational excellence and veterinarian-focused culture as key drivers of growth.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
