(PRESS RELEASE) OVERLAND PARK, KS — Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a global leader in pet nutrition, announced changes in the company’s veterinary leadership in two key markets. Current Hill’s US Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Karen Shenoy, will assume the newly expanded role of Chief Veterinarian for Hill’s EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) as long-time Hill’s EMEA leader Dr. Hein Meyer is set to retire in late June. Concurrently, Hill’s welcomes Dr. Chelsie Estey as the new Chief Veterinary Officer for Hill’s US.
Dr. Karen Shenoy
Dr. Karen Shenoy
After serving as US Chief Veterinary Officer since 2022, Dr. Karen Shenoy has been promoted to Vice President and Chief Veterinarian for EMEA, effective April 1, 2025.
In her new position, Dr. Shenoy will leverage her extensive experience leading professional and commercial teams, and her passion for veterinary medicine and the role of nutrition, to help advance the veterinary profession and further strengthen relationships between Hill’s and the veterinary community across the EMEA region.
“Dr. Shenoy brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position, and will play a critical role on the EMEA leadership team, setting the vision for veterinary engagement, leading the professional and veterinary affairs team, and serving as a liaison between Hill’s and the veterinary community,” said Gerald Mastio, President and General Manager of Hill’s EMEA. “Dr. Shenoy is a strong ambassador for the veterinary profession and has played an instrumental role, leading efforts to share Hill’s scientific advancements with and to support the profession in the US through a strong focus on inclusion, education, and advocacy. I look forward to her contributions in her expanded role as Chief Veterinarian, Hill’s EMEA.”
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Dr. Shenoy shared: “I’m honored to become Vice President and Chief Veterinarian for Hill’s EMEA. This role fuels my passion for helping veterinary professionals do their very best in meeting their clients’ and patients’ needs through the power of nutrition. I look forward to working closely with and learning from colleagues and partners in the region, and I’m eager to explore new ways Hill’s can support the veterinary profession as a whole.”
Dr. Shenoy joined Hill’s in 2008 and has progressed through numerous roles, each with increasing responsibility, including Field Sales and Engagement Director, Associate Director of Veterinary Affairs, and Senior Manager of Academic Affairs, in addition to multiple field-based roles. She holds Bachelor of Science (in Veterinary Science) and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from the University of Minnesota. She is an active member and mentor with the Women in Leadership and Management in Animal Health (WILMAH) organization. Moreover, she has served on the Boards of the Veterinary Innovation Council and Diversify Veterinary Medicine Coalition and on the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Food Safety Advisory Committee.
Dr. Chelsie Estey
Dr. Chelsie Estey
In addition, Dr. Chelsie Estey has been appointed as Chief Veterinary Officer for Hill’s US, effective April 9, 2025.
With a robust background in veterinary leadership and care, Dr. Estey brings a wealth of experience and a proactive approach to advancing veterinary medicine to Hill’s. Her career is marked by a commitment to innovation and excellence, ensuring the highest standards across all operations. Most recently, she served as Vice President of US Pet Care at Parnell, where she made significant strides in advancing their Pet Health business. Before Parnell, Dr. Estey excelled as the Senior Director of US Pet Health Specialty Sales and Consulting Veterinarians at Elanco, following her role as a veterinary neurologist in private practice.
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She has also enriched the veterinary neurology field through scholarly contributions, with numerous articles published in scientific journals and several book chapters to her name. She is the recipient of the 2025 High Flyer Award from the Feather in Her Cap Association. Dr. Estey’s academic background includes a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Atlantic Veterinary College and a small animal rotating internship at Georgia Veterinary Specialists, complemented by a Neurology and Neurosurgery residency at Cornell University. She also holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Brunswick.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Estey as our new Chief Veterinary Officer for Hill’s US. Dr. Estey brings a dynamic blend of experience, leadership and vision, crucial in driving our strategic goals and elevating our veterinary advocacy to new heights, said Yvonne Hsu, President and General Manager of Hill’s US. “Her proven track record in commercial sales and technical leadership underscores our commitment to excellence in pet health and veterinary care. I am confident that Dr. Estey will be an invaluable contributor to our team, ensuring that we continue to innovate and serve the needs of our veterinary partners effectively.”
Dr. Estey shared: “I am incredibly excited to join Hill’s US, the No. 1 veterinary-recommended brand, known for its enduring commitment to the veterinary profession and its leadership in scientific innovation. Hill’s has set the benchmark for excellence in pet nutrition, and I am honored to be part of a team that continually pushes the boundaries to advance pet health and wellbeing. I look forward to advancing collaboration with veterinary professionals to enhance the health and wellbeing of pets everywhere.”
