Hill’s Pet Nutrition debuts 2 new chief veterinary officers

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Hill's Pet Nutrition welcomed Jolle Kirpensteijn, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVS and ECVS, as global chief veterinary officer, and Karen Shenoy, DVM, as chief veterinary officer for the United States.

Effective as of January 1, 2022, the pair will help support the company's mission 'to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets by providing the best pet nutrition in the world.'

More about Kirpensteijn and Shenoy

Prior to joining Hill’s, Kirpensteijn was a full-time professor in surgical oncology and reconstruction at the Utrecht University of Veterinary Medicine in Utrecht, Netherlands, where he also received his PhD and DVM from. In addition, he holds a master's degree from Kansas State University. He is a Diplomate of the American and European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS) and currently resides in Lawrence, Kansas, with his husband Daniel Compton and their rescue dog Chippie.

Kirpensteijn succeeds Marina Debernardi, DVM, PhD, who is entering retirement after serving as global chief professional and veterinary affairs officer for the past 28 years.

“I feel fortunate to work at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and am honored to be promoted into this role,” said Kirpensteijn, in a company release. “I’ve built my entire career in the veterinary profession, so I look forward to having the opportunity to lead Hill’s global team of veterinary professionals as we seek to transform the lives of our beloved pets through health and nutrition.”

Accompanying this change, Shenoy—a DVM graduate from the University of Minnesota—has also initiated her new role as chief veterinary officer for Hill’s US. Since joining the team in 2008, Shenoy has served several roles including field sales and engagement director, associate director of veterinary affairs, and much more. Apart from her success at Hill’s, she is an active member and mentor within the Women in Leadership and Management in Animal Health (WILMAH) organization and has served on the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Early Career Development Committee and on the Board of Directors for the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, according to the release.

Shenoy currently lives in Lenexa, Kansas, with her husband James, daughter Maya and their collection of pets including 3 mixed-breed rescue dogs named Hoppy, Porter and Growler.

“I am honored to represent both Hill’s and the veterinary profession during a time of rapid growth and evolution,” said Shenoy. “I am passionate about supporting veterinary professionals and helping to elevate the future of veterinary medicine to improve the well-being of pets and the people who care for them.”

Reference

1. Hill’s pet nutrition appoints Dr. Jolle Kirpenstein as global chief veterinary officer and Dr. Karen Shenoy as chief veterinary officer US. Linkedin.com. Published December 21, 2021. Accessed January 11, 2022. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/hills-pet-nutrition-appoints-dr-jolle-kirpenstein-?trk=organization-update-content_share-article