Dr. Mark Stetter Elected to Zoetis Board of Directors, Bringing Decades of Veterinary Leadership and Animal Health Expertise
Zoetis,a global leader in animal health, announced a significant addition to its governance with the election of Dr. Mark Stetter to its Board of Directors. Dr. Stetter officially joined the Board following the company’s annual meeting of shareholders, held on May 21, 2025. His appointment marks a strategic enhancement to the Board, aligning with Zoetis’ long-term vision of advancing animal care through science, innovation, and customer-centric leadership.
With a distinguished career spanning academia, wildlife conservation, and corporate leadership, Dr. Stetter brings a broad and deeply informed perspective to the world of animal health. His expertise cuts across species and sectors, encompassing companion animals, livestock, wildlife, and zoological medicine. His election was met with enthusiasm by both company leadership and shareholders who recognize the value of his insights at a pivotal moment in Zoetis’ journey.
A Career Defined by Innovation and Impact in Animal Health
Currently serving as Dean of the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine—one of the most prestigious veterinary programs in the world—Dr. Stetter has led transformative efforts to integrate veterinary science, translational medicine, and public health. Since assuming the deanship in 2021, he has overseen all dimensions of the school’s operations. This includes curriculum development, cutting-edge research programs, oversight of multiple veterinary hospitals, and leadership of animal health diagnostic laboratories, centers, and institutes that impact animal and human health across the globe.
Before his role at UC Davis, Dr. Stetter served as Dean and Professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University from 2012 to 2021. During his tenure, he played an instrumental role in fostering innovation in veterinary education and expanding collaborative research initiatives between academia and the biopharmaceutical industry.
Dr. Stetter’s expertise also stems from a robust professional background outside academia. He held leadership roles at The Walt Disney Company, where he oversaw animal care and welfare in Disney’s animal programs, contributing to the company’s renowned commitment to conservation and zoological science. Earlier in his career, he worked at The Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Society and the Audubon Nature Institute, lending his veterinary knowledge to the care of exotic species and contributing to international wildlife conservation efforts.
Dr. Stetter earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and chemistry from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. These academic foundations launched a career dedicated to elevating the standard of animal health globally.
Strengthening the Board’s Vision for Quality and Innovation
In his new role on the Zoetis Board of Directors, Dr. Stetter will also serve on the Board’s Quality and Innovation Committee. This committee plays a crucial role in steering the company’s scientific agenda, ensuring the continued excellence of Zoetis’ research and development (R&D) initiatives, product pipeline, and global innovation strategies.
“Dr. Stetter brings invaluable real-world experience in animal health to our Board,” said Kristin Peck, Chief Executive Officer of Zoetis. “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and leveraging Mark’s experiences and insights will help us continue to adapt and innovate to best serve them. We’re thrilled to have him join our Board as we continue to live our purpose of advancing care for animals.”
Peck emphasized the alignment between Dr. Stetter’s professional ethos and Zoetis’ strategic priorities, particularly in enhancing veterinary outcomes, optimizing animal welfare, and supporting veterinarians and farmers around the world with science-backed solutions.
Michael McCallister, Chair of the Zoetis Board, echoed this sentiment. “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Mark Stetter to Zoetis’ Board of Directors, and we look forward to the contributions he will make as we continue to advance the animal health industry and deliver innovation to our customers,” he said. “His background in both veterinary academia and corporate animal care makes him uniquely qualified to guide Zoetis through the evolving landscape of animal health.”
A Shared Commitment to Purpose-Driven Innovation
Zoetis, known for its robust portfolio of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and genetic tests for animals, has long prioritized partnerships with the veterinary and agricultural communities. With products spanning both companion animals and livestock, the company has consistently demonstrated its commitment to advancing animal health outcomes while supporting the sustainability of global food systems.
Dr. Stetter’s election to the Board underscores the company’s ongoing investment in expertise that bridges practice, research, and policy. His experience managing multidisciplinary teams, facilitating cross-sector collaborations, and navigating the regulatory landscape of animal health will be particularly valuable as Zoetis continues to expand its presence in emerging markets and drive innovation in areas such as biologics, digital health, and precision livestock farming.
Speaking on his new role, Dr. Stetter said, “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join Zoetis’ Board of Directors. As a veterinarian, I’ve seen firsthand the impact the company’s innovative products have on animals. I look forward to bringing my professional expertise and passion for animal health to Zoetis as they continue to advance care for the industry.”
Dr. Stetter’s comments reflect a shared vision with Zoetis leadership: that the future of animal health must be shaped by science, compassion, and a deep understanding of the needs of veterinarians, pet owners, and livestock producers alike.
The appointment of Dr. Stetter comes at a time of dynamic growth and opportunity for Zoetis. With global demand for animal protein on the rise, increased pet ownership driving innovation in pet care, and growing recognition of the One Health paradigm linking human, animal, and environmental health, Zoetis stands at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field.
The company’s continued focus on quality, innovation, and global reach requires not only advanced technologies but also strategic guidance from leaders with a comprehensive understanding of the animal health ecosystem. Dr. Stetter’s addition to the Board reinforces Zoetis’ commitment to thought leadership and its mission to be the world’s most trusted and science-driven animal health company.
As Zoetis prepares for the next chapter of innovation and global impact, the insights of veterinary leaders like Dr. Mark Stetter will be essential in navigating complexity and seizing new opportunities for improving the health and well-being of animals everywhere.
With his election, Zoetis deepens its bench of scientific and clinical expertise at the Board level, ensuring that its strategic decisions continue to reflect the real-world needs of animals and the professionals who care for them.
Zoetis Inc. is a global leader in the discovery, development, manufacture, and commercialization of animal health medicines and vaccines. The company serves veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners in more than 100 countries. With over 70 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis continues to build on a legacy of innovation to support healthier animals and more sustainable food systems.
