Paws and profits: Veterinary industry appointments

Advancing in the veterinary and animal care industries can foster not only personal growth but also the chance to drive meaningful change within organizations. By stepping into new roles, professionals can influence the direction of the industry through their knowledge, desire for change, and leadership.

The following individuals are being spotlighted in this week’s “Paws and profits” column:

Sarah Rumple, MPP, president, VetPartners

Rumple was recently appointed VetPartners’—a nonprofit dedicated to serving the veterinary profession—2025 president. With 15 years of experience in the veterinary space, Rumple aims to update the association’s industry resources and grow its membership so that it represents those who support the veterinary profession.

“There are so many people who could benefit tremendously from the unparalleled relationships and networking opportunities afforded to VetPartners members,” Rumple said in a news release.¹ “Over the next year, I want to get more bright minds ‘in the room where it happens’ to strengthen our association and the veterinary profession as a whole.”

In addition to Rumple, VetPartners newest members of the 2025 Board of Directors include immediate past president Monica Dixon Perry, CVPM; Will Lindus, vice president; Tony Mahan, MBA, CVA, secretary; Jimmy Bell, CPA, treasurer; Mary Berg, BS, LATG, RVT, VTS, director; Andrea Crabtree, BS, CVPM, PHR, SPHR, PHRca, CCFP, director; Sheri Gilmartin, CVT, director; and Stephen Strickler, CFP, CVA, director.

Jennifer Kirk, MBA, CEO, Exubrion Therapeutics

Sarah Rumple, MPP, president, VetPartners. (Photo courtesy of VetPartners)

Exubrion Therapeutics has appointed Kirk to its Board of Directors and named her the company’s CEO. Kirk will assume her new role as CEO on May 3, 2025. Kirk has more than 28 years of experience in leadership roles, as well as in business transformation. Her experience includes a tenure at Medtronic, where she focused on finance and operational growth through executive leadership.

"We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer to the Exubrion Therapeutics leadership team," said Laurie McRay, executive chair and interim CEO, in a company release.² "Her energy, servant leadership, and extensive business experience make her the ideal person to guide us into our next phase of growth. Her proven ability to lead organizations and create value will be instrumental as we continue advancing our mission. We are fortunate to have her at the helm."

Kirk has contributed to company transformations by fostering a culture of innovation, building high-performing teams, growing revenue and expanding margins, and more. Under her leadership, her teams captured more than $3.5 billion in savings and value, according to Exubrion.²

Karen Shenoy, DVM, chief veterinarian, Hill’s EMEA

Shenoy recently stepped into the roles of vice president and chief veterinarian for Hill’s Pet Nutrition Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). In her new roles, Shenoy will play a key role in advancing the veterinary profession and strengthening relationships between Hill’s and the veterinary community in the EMEA region.

“I'm honored to become vice president and chief veterinarian for Hill’s EMEA. This role fuels my passion for helping veterinary professionals do their very best in meeting their clients’ and patients’ needs through the power of nutrition. I look forward to working closely with and learning from colleagues and partners in the region, and I’m eager to explore new ways Hill’s can support the veterinary profession as a whole,” said Shenoy in a news release.³

Shenoy first joined Hill’s in 2008. She is a mentor and member of the Women in Leadership and Management in Animal Health organization and has held board positions with the Veterinary Innovation Council and Diversify Veterinary Medicine Coalition, as well as served on the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Food Safety Advisory Committee.

Chelsie Estey, DVM, MS, chief veterinary officer, Hill’s US

In conjunction with Shenoy’s recent promotion, Hill’s announced Estey was appointed the company’s chief veterinary officer. Estey has written numerous articles published in scientific journals, as well as various book chapters. She is also the recipient of the 2025 High Flyer Award from the Feather in Her Cap Association. In her most recent position, Estey was vice president of US Pet Care at Parnell.

We are excited to welcome Dr Estey as our new chief veterinary officer for Hill’s US. Dr Estey brings a dynamic blend of experience, leadership and vision, crucial in driving our strategic goals and elevating our veterinary advocacy to new heights, said Yvonne Hsu, president and general manager of Hill’s US, in a news release.³

“Her proven track record in commercial sales and technical leadership underscores our commitment to excellence in pet health and veterinary care. I am confident that Dr Estey will be an invaluable contributor to our team, ensuring that we continue to innovate and serve the needs of our veterinary partners effectively,” Hsu continued.³

References

1. Sarah Rumple named 2025 VetPartners president during biannual gathering of industry leaders. News release. March 11, 2025.
2. Exubrion Therapeutics® appoints Jennifer Kirk to Board of Directors; names her CEO. News release. March 18, 2025. Accessed April 18, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/exubrion-therapeutics-appoints-jennifer-kirk-to-board-of-directors-names-her-ceo-302403466.html?tc=eml_cleartime
3. Hill’s Pet Nutrition advances veterinary leadership with new appointments in US and EMEA. News release. Hill’s Pet Nutrition. March 24, 2025.