Paws and profits: A nonprofit names a new adoption director, an animal health company shifts to dual leadership, and other updates

A longtime PetSmart retail leader has moved into a nonprofit role focused on expanding pet adoption programs, while a major animal health company has restructured its executive team around a new deputy CEO. Meanwhile, a Canadian diversified health company has brought on a commercial leader to unify its pharmacy and animal health sales operations. Continue reading to learn more about each of these individuals.

Patrick Bell, DBA, MBA, BSBAM, director of pet placement initiatives, PetSmart Charities

PetSmart Charities has named Patrick Bell, DBA, MBA, BSBAM, director of pet placement initiatives. Bell spent nearly two decades in multi-unit retail leadership at PetSmart before transitioning to the nonprofit, where he will focus on expanding in-store adoption programs, coordinating between corporate, field, and store teams, and building relationships with local animal welfare organizations. He also served as a board member for a local nonprofit animal welfare organization, where he worked to lower barriers to adoption and develop community-focused events. Bell holds a doctorate in business administration with a concentration in organizational leadership and a focus on corporate social responsibility in the pet industry.

"I fully believe when teams feel connected to purpose, everyone wins — pets, people, partners, and the communities PetSmart serves," Bell said in a company news release.¹ "My rescue cats are a daily reminder of why adoption programs matter so much, and I'm honored to help more pets find loving homes and support animal welfare partners working on the front lines."

Sébastien Huron, DVM, deputy CEO, Ceva Animal Health

Ceva Animal Health has appointed Sébastien Huron, DVM, as deputy CEO as part of a broader shift to a dual leadership structure. Under the new arrangement, Marc Prikazsky, DVM, moves to the role of executive chairman, focusing on long-term strategy, while Huron takes over day-to-day operational management and chairs the executive committee. Huron, a veterinarian by training, brings more than 30 years of animal health industry experience across multiple continents, including senior roles at Intervet and Virbac, where he served as CEO from 2017 to 2024 and oversaw a period of significant organic growth.

"I am honored to join Ceva at a moment when the company has an exceptional strategic foundation and a strong culture of innovation," Huron said in a company news release.² "My priority will be to support them with energy, experience and an entrepreneurial mindset so that, together, we can accelerate the group's development and continue to deliver meaningful value for our customers and partners worldwide."

Susan Bodner, vice president of sales and marketing, Grey Wolf Animal Health

Grey Wolf Animal Health Corp., the Canada-based diversified health company, has appointed Susan Bodner as vice president of sales and marketing. Bodner brings more than 15 years of sales and marketing experience from the medical device industry, where she led commercial teams across customer service, key account management, and marketing functions. In her new role, she will oversee Grey Wolf's commercial strategy across both its compounding pharmacy and animal health business units, with a focus on strengthening customer relationships and coordinating growth across the two divisions.

"I am excited to join Grey Wolf at such an important stage of its growth," Bodner said in a news release.³ "The company is well positioned within both the pharmacy and animal health markets, and I look forward to building a strong commercial foundation to support future growth and product launches."

References

1. Patrick Bell Named Director of Pet Placement Initiatives at PetSmart Charities. News release. PetSmart Charities, Inc. March 31, 2026. Accessed May 4, 2026. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/patrick-bell-named-director-of-pet-placement-initiatives-at-petsmart-charities-302729635.html
2. Ceva Animal Health Appoints Sébastien Huron as Deputy Chief Executive Officer. News release. Ceva Animal Health. April 10, 2026. Accessed May 4, 2026. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ceva-animal-health-appoints-sebastien-huron-as-deputy-chief-executive-officer-302738339.html
3. Grey Wolf Animal Health Appoints a Vice President, Sales & Marketing to Advance Commercial Strategy. News release. Grey Wolf Animal Health Corp. April 13, 2026. Accessed May 4, 2026. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/grey-wolf-animal-health-appoints-a-vice-president-sales-amp-marketing-to-advance-commercial-strategy-835163465.html