Mars has named consumer products executive Christina Ruggiero to lead its North American Pet Nutrition business as the company looks to accelerate innovation, strengthen retail partnerships and capitalize on growing demand for science-backed pet nutrition.
Phillips Pet Food & Supplies has promoted President Nick Christensen to chief executive officer as part of a long-planned succession strategy, while longtime CEO Blaine Phillips transitions to Executive Chairman to focus on corporate strategy and governance.
Boehringer Ingelheim has been recognized as a Human-Animal Bond Certified Company, underscoring its investment in veterinary education, research, and initiatives that strengthen the relationship between pets, their owners, and veterinary professionals.
Fear Free has named Rebekah Zahedi, DVM, as its inaugural Chief Veterinary Officer, where she will oversee the organization’s clinical education strategy and help guide the future of its certification programs.
VetEvolve has named Dr. Laura Pletz as its first chief veterinary officer, creating a new executive leadership role focused on clinical quality, mentorship and professional development across the organization’s network of 53 veterinary practices.
Purgo Scientific and its veterinary subsidiary, Vetlen, have appointed Dr. Cherice Roth, DVM, MS, MBA, as chief executive officer. A veterinarian, executive, inventor, and author, Roth brings leadership experience from Mars Veterinary Health, Fuzzy, and KeraVet Bio as she takes the helm of the medical technology company. She will oversee the continued commercialization of Vetlen’s refillable localized therapeutic delivery platform for veterinary medicine while guiding Purgo Scientific’s broader strategy to expand the technology into human healthcare. Company leaders said her background in clinical practice, innovation, digital health, and business leadership positions the organization for its next phase of growth.
The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) is supporting The Bridge Club’s 2027 ICON Award, which will recognize a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) for outstanding leadership in veterinary practice management for the first time.
The American Veterinary Medical Association has named recently retired U.S. Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Rosemary Sifford as the recipient of its 2026 Public Service Award, recognizing her decades of leadership in animal health and public service.
Veterinary industry executive Jim Ladd has joined Vetcelerator as head of strategy, a leadership appointment the company says will support expansion of its business services platform for independent veterinary practices across North America.
Cal-Maine Foods has expanded its Board of Directors from eight to ten members with the appointment of two independent directors as the company continues to grow its egg-based food business.
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