Global company names 3 chief medical officers to veterinary care businesses

National practice networks BluePearl Pet Hospital and Banfield Pet Hospital, both part of the global Mars Veterinary Health division of Mars Petcare, recently announced a pair of veterinarian promotions to the position of chief medical officer (CMO).^1,2 Additionally, a third CMO appointment was named to Mars Science & Diagnostics, another division of Mars Petcare.¹

Alea Harrison, DVM, was named CMO for Banfield, based in Vancouver, Washington, and is overseeing more than 3600 veterinarians in over 1000 hospitals across the United States, its territories, and Mexico.² As the new CMO for BluePearl, based in Tampa, Florida, Richard Stone, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), is leading more than 110 hospitals in 30 US states with over 8000 associates including veterinarians, veterinary technicians and other professionals. Jimmy Barr, DVM, DACVECC, the former CMO for BluePearl, is the same role for Mars Science & Diagnostics.¹

Alea Harrison, DVM

Alea Harrison, DVM (All photos courtesy of Mars Veterinary Health)

A graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts and Nevis, Harrison is a board member of the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association. She has been employed by Banfield for more than 17 years, starting as a practicing veterinarian and progressing through leadership roles to her current position, according to Banfield's release.¹ She recently served as acting CMO, following the March 2023 appointment of former Banfield CMO, Molly McAllister, DVM, MPH, to CMO of Mars Veterinary Health.^2,3

Harrison is credited by Banfield as instrumental in advancing the company’s priorities to support staff pets with quality care initiatives such as improving anesthesia standards and protocols. “As CMO, I look forward to leading with a strong hospital-centric focus, helping veterinary teams partner with clients to make informed, best-in-class treatment decisions that are rooted in the latest medical research,” Harrison said in the release.²

A campus liaison for Ross University, Harrison serves as a coach for the profession. Her support for doctors includes promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity in veterinary medicine, and serving as a board member for the charitable Banfield Foundation and a member of the company’s POWER Diversity Resource Group that works to “attract, retain and elevate Black talent” in the profession, according to the release.²

Richard Stone, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM)

Richard Stone, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM)

Stone graduated from Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences in College Station and completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in Athens. He began his work with BluePearl in 2011 as an internal medicine specialist and previously held the role of vice president of medicine for the network.¹

“During my 12 years at BluePearl, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a number of roles and it’s a great honor to continue my journey as chief medical officer,” said Stone, in a BluePearl release.¹ “I am thankful for Dr Barr’s leadership, and I am excited to build on his legacy of providing the highest quality of care to the pets and communities that we serve, while in pursuit of sustainable medical excellence.”

Jimmy Barr, DVM, DACVECC

Jimmy Barr, DVM, DACVECC

Barr graduated from Louisiana State University and joined Texas A&M as a faculty member. He initially joined BluePearl in 2007 and, following service as a Texas A&M as a faculty member, returned to the company a decade later. He was then promoted to CMO in 2018.¹

In a statement, Barr said he was "honored and grateful” for the role as CMO at Mars Science and Diagnostics, which will allow him to help lead animal health innovation. “Veterinary Medicine is the best field there is and our commitment to pets has never been stronger. I’ve been lucky to experience that commitment during my time with BluePearl and have seen the unwavering dedication BluePearl associates have to pets they care for. I wish Dr. Stone the best of luck in his new role and look forward to his continued success,” said Barr, in the BluePearl release.¹

References

1. BluePearl announces Dr. Richard Stone as chief medical officer. News release. Blue Pearl Pet Hospital. January 16, 2024. Accessed January 25, 2024.
2. Banfield Pet Hospital appoints Dr. Alea Harrison as chief medical officer. News release. Banfield Pet Hospital. January 16, 2024. Accessed January 25, 2024.
3. Mars Veterinary Health appoints Dr. Molly McAllister as chief medical officer. Mars Veterinary Health. March 24, 2023. Accessed January 25, 2024. https://www.marsveterinary.com/mars-veterinary-health-appoints-dr-molly-mcallister-as-chief-medical-officer/