Veterinary and pet industry leaders are essential to the smooth running of their operations and businesses. Their forward-thinking approach encourages expansion, fosters innovation and advocates for sustainability in the sector, ultimately impacting the well-being of countless animals and their owners.
Various veterinary organizations have recently announced new promotions and appointments. The following people have advanced in their careers:
Sung Kim, DVM, MS, DACVB, PhD, Dave and Cheryl Duffield Professor, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine
The Duffield Animal Behavior Laboratory at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is taking steps to better understand animal behavior and improve the well-being of both pets and their owners. The Institute recently welcomed Sun Kim, DVM, MS, DACVB, PhD, as its new Dave and Cheryl Duffield Professor. With Kim's addition, the Institute's core team is now fully formed and is actively pursuing or initiating a variety of research and education initiatives.1
Dr. Kim was previously a clinical professor at Chungbuk National University (CBNU) in South Korea, where he completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at CBNU, completed his residency at the University of California, Davis, and completed his Doctor of Clinical Veterinary Medicine at Seoul National University, where he is a board certified behaviorist.1
As leader of the Duffield Laboratory, Kim plans to use his diverse skills across clinical practice, research and teaching efforts. In addition to his ongoing research aimed at reducing stress in animals, he aims to delve deeper into cognitive dysfunction syndromes, a form of dementia in dogs, and the human-animal bond. “Teaching allows me to multiply my impact to more patients,” Kim said in a news release. “And I came to Cornell for the opportunity to collaborate on research and partner with other clinicians to advance our work together.”1
Krista Bailey, MS, Director of Curriculum Development at Ready, Vet, Go
Ready, Vet, Go, a six-month veterinary mentorship program that focuses on various non-clinical aspects of the veterinary profession, recently hired its first director of curriculum development, Krista Bailey, MSc. “Newly appointed director of curriculum development, Krista Bailey, has revamped our learning modules to create a richer mentor experience that is accessible to a variety of learning styles and better supports a wider range of new graduates,” Dani Rabwin, D.Vet., founder and CEO of Ready, Vet, Go, said in a news release.2
“As a university professor for the past 20 years, I have spent many years mentoring pre-med students in biology and related medical fields,” Bailey said in the release. “I have found that the support they need is a combination of technical instruction, skill building, and mostly cheering. They want and need to feel confident in their skills and knowledge to move from the classroom to application. I am excited to join Ready, Vet, Go and support the veterinary profession by providing them with what they need when they need it most.”2
The Ready, Vet, Go initiative consists of monthly thematic modules, a range of downloadable resources and a range of community features to encourage engagement between mentors and colleagues, including monthly live workshops on veterinary success, intimate ‘pack’ get-togethers and access to the Ready, Vet, Go community forum.2
Melanie King, Executive Field Representative, American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC), the nonprofit organization renowned as the world's largest purebred dog registry and dog advocate, has appointed Melanie King as Executive Field Representative based in the Mid-Atlantic region.3
“Melanie has extensive experience breeding Irish Wolfhounds and Whippets. She is a successful breeder, owner and handler of English Springer Spaniels and is an AKC Distinguished Breeder, winning a National Specialty for her Springers, and was named Westminster Kennel Club's Best Junior Handler in 1994. She has managed a large kennel and brings a wealth of practical knowledge of dog breeding to the role, all of which will be valuable assets as Executive Field Representative,” AKC Director of Field Conformation Sandy D'Andrea said in a news release. “The American Kennel Club is proud to have her on our staff.”3
King has collaborated with many notable professional handlers, including Glenn and Rebecca Lycan, Bruce and Gretchen Schultz, the Booths, and Robin Novak. With a background as both a breeder and owner-handler, King currently holds the record for the most English Springer Spaniels awarded “Top Specialty.” She has comprehensive expertise across all aspects of animal care, including working in veterinary clinics and overseeing operations at boarding and breeding facilities.3
Glenn Murphy, Chairman of the Board, Petco Health & Wellness Company
Glenn Murphy, Chairman of Petco Health and Wellness Company (Photo courtesy of Petco)
Petco Health and Wellness Company announced earlier this month that Glenn Murphy, CEO of Phys Holdings, will serve as the company's new executive chairman, effective immediately. In his role as executive chairman, Murphy will support Petco's leadership team in executing strategic initiatives to improve profitability and drive sustainable long-term growth. He will actively participate in the board's selection of a permanent chief executive officer.Four
“Glenn is a proven leader and innovator with a track record of success across multiple retail industries over the past three decades,” Cameron Breitner, a Petco director and senior advisor to CVC Capital Partners, said in a news release. “His experience driving profitable growth through transitional periods will add great value to Petco's leadership team and board of directors at this critical time for the company.”Four
“Petco is a highly respected brand in a high-growth pet category and we believe our differentiated approach will enable us to create significant shareholder value over the long term,” Murphy said in the same release. “My evaluation of my role as executive chairman over the past several months has given me confidence that we have a number of tangible opportunities to improve near-term operational and financial performance and position the company for attractive long-term growth. I look forward to working closely with management and the board towards these goals.”Four
Robert E. Devlin, DVM, MBA, Director of Veterinary Sciences, PetKing Brands
Robert E. Devlin, DVM, MBA, Director of Veterinary Sciences, Pet King Brands. (Photo courtesy of Pet King Brands)
Pet King Brands (PKB), manufacturer of veterinary-approved enzymatic pet health products in the United States, is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Dr. Robert E. Devlin, DVM, MBA, as Director of Veterinary Sciences. Dr. Devlin brings in-depth knowledge of the animal health market as well as business development experience backed by his DVM degree and MBA with a concentration in business administration.Five
“Since joining our team in 2020, Rob has provided key insight into the animal health care market,” Pamela K. Bosco, president and founder of Pet King Brands, said in the company's news release. “His knowledge of the veterinary industry will continue to drive collaboration on emerging trends and advancements.”Five
Devlin's role at PKB will be to analyze customer needs, drive product development and marketing strategy through shared insights, provide medical and specialty guidance and represent the company at scientific and industry events.Five
References
- Hall O. Cornell's Duffield Institute takes big steps toward understanding animal behavior. News release. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. April 22, 2024. Accessed May 30, 2024. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/about-us/news/cornells-duffield-institute-takes-big-steps-forward-understand-animal-behavior
- Veterinary Mentorship Program Hires New Director of Curriculum Development, Opens July Cohort Enrollment. News release. Ready Vet Go. May 2, 2024. Accessed May 30, 2024. https://readyvetgo.co/veterinary-mentorship-program-hires-new-director-of-curriculum-development-opens-july-cohort-enrollment/
- Sample K. The American Kennel Club hires Melanie King as executive field representative. News release. American Kennel Club. May 13, 2024. Accessed May 30, 2024. https://www.akc.org/press-releases/american-kennel-club-hires-melanie-king-executive-field-representative/#:~:text=The%20American%20Kennel%20Club%20(AKC,on%20May%2020th%2C%202024.
- Petco Health + Wellness Company, Inc. Announces Appointment of Glenn Murphy as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. News Release. Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. May 14, 2024. Accessed May 31, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/petco-health–wellness-company-inc-announces-appointment-of-glenn-murphy-as-executive-chairman-of-the-board-of-directors-302145129.html
- Pet King Brands Appoints Robert E. Devlin as Director of Veterinary Services. News Release. Pet King Brands. May 22, 2024. Accessed May 31, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pet-king-brands-appoints-robert-e-devlin-as-director-of-veterinary-services-302152208.html
