VetPartners: Tim Shearman takes helm as York-based UK managing director
A new managing director has been appointed at one of the UK’s largest groups of veterinary practices and animal healthcare businesses.
VetPartners has hired Tim Shearman as its new UK MD as it prepares for further growth. He will lead the group’s UK operations from its central support office in York.
A spokesman said: “Having worked across almost every function within VetPartners’ central team, Mr Shearman has played a key role in the group’s growth as a member of its senior management team. He brings a broad perspective, alongside deep expertise in business leadership, governance, regulation and people strategy.”
Mr Shearman said: “Whether working with colleagues or supporting clients, I’ve always been someone who genuinely enjoys connecting with people. Building strong relationships, understanding different perspectives and working collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes is what motivates me every day.
“My years in veterinary practice were among the happiest and most rewarding of my career, and I remain a registered vet. Although I no longer carry out clinical work day-to-day, I continue to feel a strong sense of connection to the profession and the people within it.
“VetPartners’ culture is incredibly important to me. I’m committed to creating an environment where people feel supported, valued and able to thrive, as this enables them to deliver the very highest standards of care.”
He added: “The veterinary profession carries unique pressures and challenges, reflecting the responsibility of being entrusted with the care of much-loved pets, equines, and farm and large animals that mean so much to the people who own them.
“The challenge is to ensure we do a great job for clients at a time of increased attention on the profession, as well as ensuring we look after our colleagues. Helping to preserve the culture of VetPartners as being a great place to work is really important to me.”
VetPartners CEO Jo Malone said: “I am delighted that Tim has become our UK Managing Director. I have seen first-hand how much he cares for the people in VetPartners, our clients and patients.”
Established in 2015, VetPartners has 13,000 employees working in more than 750 sites across the UK and Europe, including its headquarters in York.
Following European expansion in 2019, the group now has practices in Italy, France, Germany, Ireland, Portugal, Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland.
VetPartners also includes pet cremation services, an online retailer, a small animal veterinary nursing school, an equine veterinary nursing school and laboratories.