Paws and profits: Career advancements in the veterinary industry

Veterinary and pet industry leaders play a crucial role in keeping their practices and businesses running smoothly. Their proactive mindset encourages growth, supports innovation, and promotes sustainability, ultimately benefiting animals, their owners, and veterinary professionals.

Recently, several veterinary organizations announced new promotions and appointments. Below are some individuals advancing in their careers:

Dan Wheeler, chief marketing officer, K9 Resorts

Dan Wheeler (Photo courtesy of K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel)

In late October, K9 resorts announced the appointment of Dan Wheeler as its chief marketing officer (CMO). Wheeler has more than 25 years of marketing experience, having been CMO at Uncle Julio’s Restaurant Group in his last role. In his new position, Wheeler will drive his efforts on increasing brand awareness for K9 Resorts and boosting revenue growth for both franchise and corporate-owned locations.

"K9 Resorts has already set the gold standard in pet care, but as we continue to grow, so does the potential to further amplify our brand's impact," Wheeler said in a news release.¹ "I'm excited to build meaningful connections within our communities to ensure that K9 Resorts remains the premier choice for luxury dog boarding and daycare.”

Mary Fraser, PhD, BVMS, FRCVS, vice chair of Trustees, Humanimal Trust

The charity Humanimal Trust appointed Mary Fraser, PhD, BVMS, FRCVS, as its new vice chair of Trustees. Fraser is currently the director of education, training, and assessment at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, where she manages training and examination programs for medical professionals. In addition, she teaches evidence based veterinary medicine at the University of Glasgow. A prolific researcher and author, Fraser has published more than 100 scholarly works and was honored with a fellowship from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2017 for her “meritorious contributions to the profession.”²

“I am delighted to join Humanimal Trust at this exciting time. There are so many opportunities to bring together professionals from both human and veterinary medicine to advance One Medicine. As the Trust’s recent 10-year anniversary symposium showed, there is now real momentum from professionals on both sides who can see the benefits for all species that come with closer collaboration. I'm really looking forward to working with the team and helping to make this happen,” Fraser said in a news release.²

Haley Israelson, MBA, CEO, ElleVet Sciences

Haley Israelson, MBA (Photo courtesy of ElleVet Sciences)

Also stepping into the role of CEO is Haley Israelson, MBA. Recently appointed to lead ElleVet Sciences, Israelson will assume the role on January 1, 2025. Currently, she is the company’s chief financial officer.³

Since joining ElleVet as head of finance in 2019, Israelson has played a key role in driving and overseeing the company's rapid growth. Throughout her time at ElleVet Sciences, she has also taken on various responsibilities beyond finance, including managing Ecommerce and Operations.³

“I am honored to become the CEO of ElleVet Sciences, an amazing company and a pioneer in the field of science-backed nutraceuticals for pets. Central to ElleVet’s DNA is our science first approach, our promise to provide outstanding customer experiences, and our commitment to always doing what is right. These core elements provide an impactful framework for all decision making and I look forward to continuing to live by, and lead with, these company values” Israelson said in a company release.³

Ken Hicks, MBA, CEO, Petsmart

Petsmart LLC recently appointed Ken Hicks, MBA, its new CEO. Also a member of the company’s board of directors, Hicks assumed his new position on October 31, 2024. Prior to this appointment, Hicks was the CEO and executive chairman at Academy Sports + Outdoors. Hicks is also a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and has served in the US Army.⁴

"On behalf of the entire board of directors, I am thrilled to welcome Ken Hicks to PetSmart," Raymond Svider, chairman of the board of directors of PetSmart and Chairman of BC Partners, said in a company release.⁴ "His depth and breadth of retail experience, visionary leadership, and proven track record of creating shareholder value, will be invaluable as PetSmart continues to execute on its strategic growth plan."

Stacey Ma, PhD, board of directors, Elanco

Stacey Ma, PhD (Photo courtesy of Elanco Animal Health)

On November 12, 2024, Elanco Animal Health Incorporate announced that Stacey Ma, PhD, was appointed to its board of directors, effective immediately. Currently, Ma is the executive vice president of Pharmaceutical Development and Manufacturing at Gilead Sciences, where she oversees product strategy, technical development, and manufacturing operations for the company’s pipeline. She has actively contributed to the scientific community by co-chairing international conferences, serving as an associate director on the board of CASSS, and being named a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. In 2020, she was recognized as one of the "Top 20 Women Leaders in Biopharma R&D" by Endpoints News.

"I am honored to join the Elanco board of directors," Ma said, in an organizational release.⁵ "I am passionate about innovation and technical excellence in life sciences and look forward to contributing to Elanco's mission of improving the health and wellbeing of animals."

References

1. K9 Resorts strengthens leadership team with the appointment of Dan Wheeler as chief marketing officer. News release. K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel. October 23, 2024. Accessed November 16, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/k9-resorts-strengthens-leadership-team-with-the-appointment-of-dan-wheeler-as-chief-marketing-officer-302284260.html
2. Humanimal Trust appoints Dr Mary Fraser as new vice chair of Trustees. News release. Humanimal Trust. October 25, 2024. Accessed November 15, 2024. [email]
3. ElleVet Sciences promotes Haley Israelson to chief executive officer. News release. ElleVet Sciences. October 31, 2024. Accessed November 15, 2024. [email]
4. PetSmart names Ken Hicks as chief executive officer. News release. PetSmart. October 23, 2024. Accessed November 15, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/petsmart-names-ken-hicks-as-chief-executive-officer-302284837.html
5. Elanco Strengthens board of directors with addition of Stacey Ma. News release. Elanco Animal Health. November 12, 2024. Accessed November 15, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/elanco-strengthens-board-of-directors-with-addition-of-stacey-ma-302301818.html