Paws and profits: The most recent appointments in veterinary business

Effective leadership in the pet and veterinary industry plays a fundamental role in maintaining the efficiency of businesses. Their strategies propel growth, encourage creativity, and champion sustainability. This impacts the welfare of numerous animals and their caregivers.

Several veterinary businesses have recently announced new appointments. Some of these individuals experiencing career progression include the following:

Fan Wang, PhD, chief technology officer at PETLIBRO

PETLIBRO, a global pet technology company, appointed Fan Wang as its latest chief technology officer. Wang brings extensive of knowledge to lead PETLIBRO's ongoing endeavors in the pet technology sector with a history in advancing innovation in artificial intelligence, robotics, data systems, and wireless technology. In his new role, Wang will spearhead the advancement of AI and robotics technology, assembling a team to redefine the company's product range and enhance connectivity for both pets and their owners.¹

"PETLIBRO's remarkable growth since its inception in 2019 and its ascent to the forefront of its industry has motivated me to contribute positively. We've already initiated assessments of potential AI integration opportunities within PETLIBRO's current and upcoming product ranges. I am eager to address our customers' requirements and guide the team towards innovative solutions driven by creative engineering and cutting-edge technologies," expressed Wang in a news release.¹

"To have someone of Fan's pedigree join the PETLIBRO team demonstrates our commitment to forward-thinking, innovative products that enhance well-being for humans and pets, alike," said York Wu, founder and CEO of PETLIBRO in the release.¹ "As we continue to innovate and grow, Fan's expertise will be invaluable in furthering our mission to design tech-forward products for the intertwined lives of pets and their people."

Allison Giorgio, MBA, chief marketing officer at Wellness Pet Company

Allison Giorgio, MBA, chief marketing officer at Wellness Pet Company. (Photo courtesy of Wellness Pet Company)

Wellness Pet Company, a pet nutrition developer, recently announced Allison Giorgio’s new role as chief marketing officer. Giorgio arrives with experience in brand and marketing tactics aimed at crafting memorable consumer experiences. As she joins the company's senior leadership, her role is to represent the consumer's perspective, ensuring cohesive and optimized touchpoints that deliver exceptional experiences for pet parents.²

"Wellness Pet recognizes the critical roles marketing and communications play in creating memorable moments and messages that drive its business objectives and results," Giorgio said in a news release.² "The scientifically proven products, commitment to wellbeing for pets and pet parents and people-first culture make the company incredibly exciting to join. I look forward to being part of this dynamic industry and working with the senior leadership and marketing teams to further foster meaningful connections between Wellness Pet and the pets and pet parents we serve."

"As we continue to provide premium nutrition options for cats and dogs, it's vital that we build our brand and engage with the next generation of pet parents in new and innovative ways," said Reed Howlett, CEO of Wellness Pet.² "Allison brings deep integrated marketing capabilities and expertise to strengthen our current connections and relevancy with pet parents. We are eager to welcome her onto our senior leadership team to lead brand storytelling and consumer experiences that showcase our purpose-led operations: making the healthiest natural and nutritious food and treats for the pets that depend on us."

April Boyce, vice president of marketing at PetVivo Holdings

April Boyce, vice president of marketing at PetVivo Holdings. (Photo courtesy of PetVivo Holdings, Inc.)

PetVivo Holdings Inc, a biomedical device company that manufactures and commercializes medical devices and therapies for companion animals, expressed its enthusiasm in welcoming April Boyce as its newest vice president of marketing. Boyce’s role at PetVivo is enriched by her expertise in consumer-packaged goods, marketing, sales, strategic partnerships, and licensing. Her career has spanned more than two decades, and she has made significant contributions in positions at companies such as Procter & Gamble (P&G) and Clorox.³

“I am delighted to join the PetVivo marketing team to assist in establishing broader awareness and understanding of their innovative veterinary medical device, Spryng with OsteoCushion Technology,” said Boyce in a news release.³ “It is incredibly exciting to join a company whose technology truly enhances the lives of companion animals.”

"We are thrilled to have April join the PetVivo team and apply her vast insight and expertise to introduce and enhance the overall awareness and image of PetVivo and the products PetVivo commercializes.” John Lai, CEO of PetVivo Holdings, Inc said in the release.³ “April brings a wealth of experience to our team as an expert in the marketing and promotion of innovative products."

Bryan Monninger, MBA, vice president of sales at PetVivo Holdings

Bryan Monninger, MBA, vice president of sales at PetVivo Holdings. (Photo courtesy of PetVivo Holdings, Inc.)

PetVivo Holdings is also including Bryan Monninger in its welcoming celebrations. As the new vice president of sales, Monninger will oversee PetVivo's sales and distribution divisions, concentrating on broadening the market acceptance of the company's Spryng with OsteoCushion Technology. Monninger has more than 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, acquired through senior executive roles at Novus International and Lintbells, as well as Fortune 500 firms.⁴

“I see PetVivo having a tremendous competitive advantage and huge global opportunity in addressing unmet veterinary needs in the animal arthritis market,” expressed Monninger in a news release by the company.⁴ “Its internationally patented technology—which is grounded in science and supported by strong business and technical teams—is second to none. Through the broader application of this breakthrough medical technology, I believe we can truly enhance the lives of millions of companion animals and create better outcomes at lower cost for their owners.”

“We welcome Bryan’s proven sales skills and capabilities as we enter a pivotal stage in the commercialization of our proven solutions for healthier pet and equine mobility,” John Lai, CEO of PetVivo, said in the release. “We anticipate Bryan’s passion and drive for building product awareness and distribution, guided by his pragmatic and strategic approach to sales, will accelerate our growth and the expansion of our market reach across the US and abroad.”⁴

Laurie Hess, DVM, editor-in-chief at and director of scientific affairs at Merck Veterinary Manual

Laurie Hess, DVM, editor-in-chief at and director of scientific affairs at Merck Veterinary Manual. (Photo courtesy of Merck Veterinary Manual)

At the Merck Manuals, a publisher of medical information, Laurie Hess has assumed the role of editor-in-chief of the Merck Veterinary Manual. Previously, Hess served as the lead exotic animal veterinarian at online pet product retailer Chewy. Prior to that, she held the position of Director of Veterinary Medicine at Petco, where she supervised animal care across more than 1500 stores nationwide. Additionally, she served as the Director of Pet Health & Nutrition at exotic animal food manufacturer ZuPreem.⁵

“In my new position, I am honored to be collaborating with the nearly 400 distinguished experts in their fields,” said Hess in a news release.⁵ “Our goal is not only to expand and enhance this venerable reference, but to grow the number of users.”

Hess is a board-certified specialist in avian medicine. As such, her specialization is the care of birds and small exotic animals. She is one of approximately 100 avian specialists globally and has appeared as an expert in exotic pets on various television and radio programs. Moreover, she received her veterinary degree from Tufts University and completed a one-year internship followed by a two-year residency in avian and exotic animal medicine and surgery at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) in New York City.⁵

Resources

1. PETLIBRO accelerates AI and engineering prowess with appointment of Dr Fan Wang as chief technology officer. News release. PETLIBRO. May 30, 2024. Accessed June 14, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/petlibro-accelerates-ai-and-engineering-prowess-with-appointment-of-dr-fan-wang-as-chief-technology-officer-302158628.html
2. Wellness Pet Company welcomes Allison Giorgio as new chief marketing officer. News release. Wellness Pet Company. May 29, 2024. Accessed June 14, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wellness-pet-company-welcomes-allison-giorgio-as-new-chief-marketing-officer-302157207.html
3. April Boyce joins PetVivo Holdings Inc, as the vice president of marketing. News release. PetVivo Holdings, Inc. June 4, 2024. Accessed June 14, 2024. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/06/04/2893005/0/en/April-Boyce-Joins-PetVivo-Holdings-Inc-as-the-Vice-President-of-Marketing.html
4. PetVivo appoints former NOVUS and Colgate-Palmolive senior sales & marketing executive, Bryan Monninger, as VP of sales. News release. PetVivo Holdings, Inc. June 6, 2024. Accessed June 14, 2024. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/06/06/2894551/0/en/PetVivo-Appoints-Former-NOVUS-and-Colgate-Palmolive-Senior-Sales-Marketing-Executive-Bryan-Monninger-as-VP-of-Sales.html
5. The Merck Veterinary Manual gets a new Editor-in-Chief. News release. Merck Manuals. May 2024. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/news/editorial/2024/05/31/16/53/welcomeletter?sccamp=sccamp