Hill’s Pet Nutrition changes up its global veterinary leadership

Hill’s Pet Nutrition has appointed Dr. Karen Shenoy as its new Global Chief Veterinary Officer, succeeding the retiring Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn. Dr. Shenoy will now lead the company’s global Professional and Veterinary Affairs function, representing the brand in industry engagements worldwide. This transition marks a pivotal moment for the sector as Hill’s continues to bridge the gap between nutritional science and clinical veterinary practice through high-level advocacy and education.

Dr. Karen Shenoy’s appointment as Global Chief Veterinary Officer follows a long-standing career within Hill’s Pet Nutrition, where she has served in various leadership capacities since 2008. Starting as a Practice Development Veterinarian in Minneapolis, she eventually moved to the company’s Kansas headquarters in 2015. Her recent experience includes serving as the Vice President and Chief Veterinarian for Hill’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and a three-year term as the Chief Veterinary Officer for the US market between 2022 and 2025.

In her new global role, Dr. Shenoy will be responsible for setting the strategic vision for veterinary engagement and acting as a key link between Hill’s and the broader veterinary profession. Yvonne Hsu, President of Hill’s, emphasized that Dr. Shenoy has been instrumental in promoting scientific advancements and fostering a culture of inclusion and advocacy. Dr. Shenoy, who holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota, will focus on the company’s core belief in the transformative power of nutrition for pets.

Dr. Shenoy succeeds Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn, who is retiring after 13 years with the organization. Dr. Kirpensteijn joined Hill’s in 2013 from Utrecht University, where he was a specialist surgeon and professor. His tenure was defined by the creation of Global Symposiums and educational programs designed to embed nutrition more deeply into standard veterinary care. Hsu credited Dr. Kirpensteijn with shaping the next generation of veterinary leaders through consistent mentorship and a strong vision for the industry.