Paws and profits: Latest leadership changes in the veterinary industry

In the animal care and veterinary profession, effective leadership is important for upholding operational efficiency. Strong leadership improves the quality of pet care, as well as animal health products while fostering the professional development of team members. This not only improves the quality of services and products offered, but also strengthens the overall health and well-being of animals in care.

Recently, several veterinary organizations have introduced new leaders. Some of those individuals advancing in their careers include:

Tyler Clough, BVetMed, DACVS-SA

Tyler Clough, BVetMed, DACVS-SA. (Photo courtesy of BondVet)

BondVet recently welcomed Tyler Clough, BVetMed, DACVS-SA to its team. Clough will visit all Bond Vet clinics to share his expertise and perform surgeries and train BondVet’s medical team to ensure that pets receive the highest standard of care throughout the network, according to a company release.¹

"We are thrilled to have Tyler on board," Renee McDougall, head of medicine at BondVet, said in the release.¹ "His understanding of the delicate relationship between specialty services and the referral community is invaluable. He’s not only a phenomenal surgeon but also a trusted resource for veterinarians needing virtual consults or assistance with complex cases. Whether you need advice on a surgery or a quick appointment for a patient, Tyler and our team are here to support all your specialty needs.”

Clough has more than a decade of experience in specialized surgical procedures, which include orthopedics, soft tissue, and neurology surgery. BondVet’s announcement comes at a time when demand for specialized surgical procedures is growing and wait times have increased. Clough’s addition will help ensure clients are not enduring long waits, according to the company.¹

Alan Schnaid, executive vice president and chief financial officer, PetSmart

Following J.K Symancyk’s step-down as PetSmart’s CEO, president, and board member, Alan Schnaid, executive vice president (EVP) and chief financial officer (CFO) at PetSmart will be acting as the interim president and CEO of PetSmart until a replacement is appointed. Since 2017, Schnaid has been PetSmart’s EVP and CFO.

"PetSmart is the leading pet specialty retailer offering a compelling assortment of products and services along with a convenient omni-channel experience for pet parents. Alan has been instrumental in building our strategy and we're confident in his ability to continue to carry it out as we search for a new CEO to lead PetSmart into the future,” Raymond Svider, chairman of the Board of Directors, said in a news release.²

Before his position as PetSmart, Schnaid held various financial roles with Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc for 22 years, including CFO, spearheading the company’s global finance, accounting, tax, treasury, planning, risk management, and investor relations functions. In the early stages of his career, Schnaid was employed by various accounting firms. Currently, he is a board member of CommLoan, Inc—a company that facilitates a marketplace for lenders and borrowers in the commercial real estate sector.

Jeff Knudson, chief financial officer, National Veterinary Associates

National Veterinary Associates (NVA) Group, a pet care organization consisting of NVA General Practice, Ethos Veterinary Health, NVA Equine and NVA Pet Resorts, recently appointed Jeff Knudson as its chief financial officer (CFO). Knudson will assume his position on November 11, 2024.³

Prior to his appointment, Knudson held a CFO role at At Home Group, Inc, as well as a senior financial leader position at CVS Health, L Brands, and Express Scripts. In his new role, Knudson will hold primary responsibility for the company's financial results, finance, and accounting operations. This includes financial strategy planning, and reporting; internal audit; tax; and treasury functions.

“We are very grateful for Luuk’s leadership and contributions to the organization,” said Larry Allgaier, CEO of NVA, in a company release.³ “Luuk has helped put NVA in a stronger position for our future, and I am personally grateful to him for his results, his expertise and leadership. Jeff brings deep leadership expertise and a significant track record overseeing finance functions for public healthcare companies. Jeff will be a valuable member of our executive leadership team as we continue to transform NVA for the future.”

Stanley Browning, general manager, Pet Specialty Retail and Ominichannel Business Unit, Royal Canin North America

Royal Canin announced Stanley Browning as its general manager, of the US Pet Specialty Retail and Ominichannel (PSRO) Business Unit for Royal Canin North America. In his new position, Browning will be a member of the Royal Canin North America Leadership Team. As general manager, Browning will lead the PSRO team, focusing on setting strategic direction and driving “stellar” performance within the PSRO channel across the country.⁴

Browning began his career as a veterinary surgeon in Johannesburg, South Africa, later leading clinics in Hong Kong and holding management consulting and leadership positions within the manufacturing segment of the value chain. He also opened mentoring centers in Asia to help underprivileged youth obtain professional skills to start early careers.

"I am honored to lead the Pet Specialty Retail and Omnichannel team for Royal Canin North America. My passion for pets and the role they play in our lives began at a young age and continues to motivate me to make a meaningful impact on the health of both people and pets,” said Browning, in an organizational release.⁴ “By leveraging my experiences along with the tremendous accomplishments of this team, I truly believe that the opportunities are endless for what we can and will achieve across North America.”

Skylor Walker, field veterinary business development manager, PetVivo Holdings, Inc

Skylor Walker, BS. (Photo courtesy of PetVivo Holdings)

PetVivo Holdings, Inc has appointed Skylor Walker as its field veterinary business development manager for the entire state of Louisiana and the southern region of Texas. In her new role, Walker will work on increasing sales of the company’s Sprying with OsteoCushion Technology product.

Walker brings extensive expertise and background in the veterinary industry to PetVivo. Previously, she was a regional sales manager for Contura International, overseeing operations in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico Most recently, she served as an associate district manager at ADP. Walker earned her Bachelor of Science in political science from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.⁵

“Skylor’s experience and strong record of sales achievement with veterinary clinics brings to our sales team a valuable resource for achieving our business goals,” said John Lai, PetVivo CEO, in a news release.⁵ “Her experience with other hydrogel injectable products enables us to prioritize and better address the veterinarians and clinics in our sales pipeline.”

References

1. Bond Vet welcomes new specialty surgeon, Dr. Tyler Clough. News release. BondVet. September 23, 2024. Accessed October 3, 2024. [email]
2. PetSmart announces CEO transition. News release. PetSmart. September 30, 2024. Accessed October 4, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/petsmart-announces-ceo-transition-302262958.html
3. National Veterinary Associates Group appoints Jeff Knudson as chief financial officer. News release. National Veterinary Associates. October 2, 2024. Accessed October 3, 2024. [email]
4. Royal Canin North America names Stanley Browning general manager, Pet Specialty Retail and Ominichannel Business Unit for Royal Canin North America. News release. Royal Canin. October 3, 2024. Accessed October 3, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/royal-canin-north-america-names-stanley-browning-general-manager-pet-specialty-retail-and-ominichannel-business-unit-for-royal-canin-north-america-302266082.html
5. PetVivo taps top sales executive, Skylor Walker, for regional business development manager, as adoption of breakthrough animal MedTech device continues to spread nationwide. News release. PetVivo Holdings, Inc. September 16, 2024. Accessed October 3, 2024. https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2024/09/16/2946590/0/en/PetVivo-Taps-Top-Sales-Executive-Skylor-Walker-for-Regional-Business-Development-Manager-as-Adoption-of-Breakthrough-Animal-MedTech-Device-Continues-to-Spread-Nationwide.html