Paws and profits: Fear Free names chief veterinary officer, Exubrion Therapeutics announces new chief commercial officer, and more updates

Fear Free, a companion animal emotional wellness organization, has appointed its first chief veterinary officer; a pet food and supplies distributor is transitioning its top executive role as part of a long-planned succession; and an animal health company has promoted a commercial leader from within its ranks. Continue reading to learn more about each individual.

Rebekah Zahedi, DVM, chief veterinary officer, Fear Free

Fear Free has appointed Rebekah Zahedi, DVM, as its first chief veterinary officer. In the role, Zahedi will guide the organization's clinical education strategy, lead the evolution of its certification and education standards, and represent Fear Free across the veterinary and pet care industries. She will also lead the Fear Free Advisory Group and Speakers Bureau.

Zahedi's career spans companion animal practice, veterinary operations, organizational strategy, and executive leadership. Most recently, she served as executive vice president of My Pets Wellness, where she led organizational growth and strategic initiatives. She also serves on the board of directors for Paisley Paws, a nonprofit focused on improving access to veterinary care for underserved clients. She earned her DVM from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

"Fear Free has always understood something I've spent my career championing: that emotional health and physical health are inseparable, for pets and for the people who care for them," Zahedi said in an organizational news release.¹ "I'm honored to join an organization that is reshaping veterinary medicine from the inside out, and I look forward to helping build on that work."

Gregory Taglialatela, MBA, chief commercial officer, Exubrion Therapeutics

Earlier this month, Exubrion Therapeutics promoted Gregory Taglialatela, MBA, to chief commercial officer. In his new role, Taglialatela is leading the company's commercial strategy and execution, including national sales, key account management, business development, and strategic growth initiatives, with a focus on expanding access to Synovetin OA—an injectable treatment for canine osteoarthritis.

Taglialatela brings more than 15 years of animal health experience and has been with Exubrion since 2022, holding roles including sales manager, regional business development manager, and most recently national account director. He holds an MBA and a professional certification from the University of Pennsylvania.

"I am honored to take on this role at such an important point in Exubrion’s growth. I have seen firsthand the difference Synovetin OA can make for dogs living with osteoarthritis and for the veterinary teams caring for them," Taglialatela said in a company news release.² "I look forward to working with our customers, treatment-center partners and leadership team to expand access to this innovative therapy and help more dogs return to comfortable, active lives."

Blaine Phillips, executive chairman, and Nick Christensen, CEO, Phillips Pet Food & Supplies

Phillips Pet Food & Supplies has announced a planned leadership transition, effective July 27, 2026, in which Blaine Phillips will move from CEO to executive chairman, and Nick Christensen, currently president, will be appointed CEO.

Phillips has been with the company for 40 years across two stints, helping grow it from a small family feed store into a national distributor with 24 distribution centers across the United States. Christensen joined Phillips in 2021 as senior vice president of operations before being promoted to chief operating officer and then president. He brings more than 2 decades of industry experience, including prior roles at C&S Wholesale Grocers' Western Region and United Natural Foods, Inc.

"I want to congratulate Blaine for his transformative tenure at Phillips, and I am excited to continue working together to deliver for our employees, vendors, and customers," Christensen said in an announcement.³ "Our newly combined business has significant opportunities in front of us—to expand partnerships, deepen relationships, and deliver improved service to both vendors and customers."

References

1. Fear Free Welcomes Dr. Rebekah Zahedi as Chief Veterinary Officer. News release. Fear Free, LLC. July 20, 2026. Accessed July 27, 2026. https://www.einpresswire.com/article/926929249/fear-free-welcomes-dr-rebekah-zahedi-as-chief-veterinary-officer
2. Exubrion Therapeutics Promotes Gregory Taglialatela to Chief Commercial Officer. News release. Exubrion Therapeutics. July 22, 2026. Accessed July 27, 2026. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/07/22/3331339/0/en/exubrion-therapeutics-promotes-gregory-taglialatela-to-chief-commercial-officer.html
3. Phillips Pet Food & Supplies Announces CEO Succession: Names Blaine Phillips as Executive Chairman. News release. Phillips Pet Food & Supplies. July 20, 2026. Accessed July 27, 2026. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/phillips-pet-food-supplies-announces-ceo-succession-names-blaine-phillips-as-executive-chairman.html