Paws and profits: Schwarzman AMC names zoological department head, Mars names chief digital and information officer, and more updates

A major New York veterinary hospital has appointed a zoological medicine specialist to lead an expanded division, a multispecialty referral group has added a board-certified internist who will also serve as an owner, and Mars has named a new chief digital and information officer for its pet nutrition North America business. Read on for details about each individual.

John Sykes, DVM, DACZM, department head, Zoological & Companion Exotic Pet Medicine, Schwarzman Animal Medical Center

The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) in New York City has appointed John Sykes, DVM, DACZM, as head of its Zoological & Companion Exotic Pet Medicine Department. In the role, Sykes will launch a zoological ambulatory program that will bring primary veterinary care and clinical support directly to zoos across the region, while also providing on-site specialty care and virtual consulting services for zoological institutions in more remote locations.

Sykes has more than 20 years of experience in zoological medicine, most recently serving for a decade as clinical department head for the Wildlife Conservation Society/Bronx Zoo, where he spent more than 17 years total. Prior to the Bronx Zoo, he served as a staff veterinarian at the Los Angeles Zoo. He earned his DVM from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and his BS in biology and organismal biology from Yale University, completed his residency in zoological medicine and surgery at the University of Tennessee, and received his board certification from the American College of Zoological Medicine. He has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed publications and currently serves as treasurer for the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians.

"As a lifelong New Yorker, I’ve long admired AMC’s leadership in compassionate and comprehensive veterinary medicine," Sykes said in a hospital announcement.¹ "I’m honored to be part of the team and help grow the hospital’s existing expertise in clinical zoological medicine — strengthening partnerships within the zoological community, expanding access for specialty care for zoo animals, and building a premier ambulatory zoo medicine and consulting program that establishes AMC as a regional leader in the field."

Nick Berryessa, DVM, DACVIM, owner, Arista Advanced Pet Care Atlanta

Arista Advanced Pet Care has announced that Nick Berryessa, DVM, DACVIM, has joined its Atlanta hospital as a board-certified veterinary internist. He is also now the owner of the hospital. Berryessa brings nearly two decades of experience in internal medicine and advanced diagnostics, with particular interests in endocrinology, infectious disease, respiratory conditions, ultrasound, and interventional procedures. According to Arista, Berryessa interprets approximately 300 ultrasound cases each month currently through his own veterinary telemedicine and consulting business.²

Berryessa earned his DVM from Cornell University and completed his residency in small animal internal medicine at UC Davis. He first came to Atlanta for an internship and has practiced in the area since 2008. He is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and has authored and contributed to research on infectious disease and complex medical conditions in companion animals.

"What stood out to me about Arista was the culture and the opportunity for the veterinarians providing care every day to have a real voice in how the hospital operates," Berryessa said in an organizational news release.² "Arista integrates local decision-making, veterinary ownership, and the operational support needed to run a successful hospital. It allows us to focus on providing great medical treatments and patient care while still allowing us to shape the practice we want to build."

Varun Kakaria, chief digital and information officer, Mars Pet Nutrition North America

Mars has appointed Varun Kakaria as chief digital and information officer for Pet Nutrition North America. Kakaria comes to Mars from Reckitt, where he spent 13 years in digital leadership roles, most recently as chief information officer for North America. He holds more than 2 decades of experience in digital and technology leadership across more than 40 geographies, according to Mars.

In his new role, Kakaria will work to advance Mars' digital transformation across the pet nutrition segment, with a focus on digital products, data-driven solutions, and business partnerships.³

References

1. The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center Expands Zoological Division and Announces John Sykes, DVM, DACZM, as AMC’s Zoological & Companion Exotic Pet Medicine Department Head. News release. Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. September 14, 2026. [email]
2. Arista Advanced Pet Care Welcomes Dr. Nick Berryessa as Internist and Owner at Atlanta Hospital. News release. Arista Advanced Pet Care. September 15, 2026. [email]
3. Mars Appoints Varun Kakaria as Chief Digital & Information Officer, Pet Nutrition North America. September 14, 2026. Weber Shandwick. [email]