Left to right is Roxanne Hobbs with Kerrie Hedley, XLVets’ new CEO who will take up the post in June.
External Insight Strengthens XLVets’ Board With New Co-Chair Appointment
2 days ago 
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XLVets is bringing leadership experience and complementary skills into its board structure from outside the veterinary industry, after welcoming Roxanne Hobbs into its ranks as an independent non-executive director and Co-Chair.
Roxanne will lead the XLVets board in partnership with the current Chair, Jonathan Stockton.
XLVets is a community of over 70 independent practices that share experience, knowledge and skills in support of one another. Roxanne has worked with the organisation on several projects, firstly in 2020 when she supported a Veterinary Women in Leadership Event with XLVets and Veterinary Woman and more recently she delivered a hugely popular ‘Courageous Leadership’ workshop at XLVets’ 2025 AGM.
Roxanne’s experience spans leadership development and coaching, culture change and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) consultancy, as well as facilitation and team development. She’s also an independent business owner, after leading an advertising agency and founding The Hobbs Consultancy, which supports organisations to build high-performing, inclusive teams.
Commenting on her appointment, Roxanne said: “What drew me in is the strength of the community and the willingness to keep evolving. Community is one of my core values, and I'm really looking forward to working with an organisation that has a purpose aligned so strongly with my own.”
“This is an exciting opportunity to join XLVets at an important time for the veterinary profession. I’m looking forward to bringing an independent perspective, supporting the board to perform at its best, and helping XLVets navigate change whilst laying the foundations for an inclusive, high-performing future.”
Kerrie Hedley, XLVets’ incoming CEO who will take up the post in June, has worked with Roxanne for several years and immediately recognised what she could bring to XLVets at a time of significant change for the veterinary sector, as well as the benefits of her independent perspective from outside the profession.
Kerrie explained: “We are very pleased to welcome Roxanne to the board. She brings a breadth of experience that complements the skills we already have and strengthens our ability to think differently as a leadership team. This appointment reflects what many of our members have been asking for, and mirrors steps they are taking within their own businesses.
“Roxanne’s focus on board performance will ensure we are well positioned for the future. At a time of significant change within the profession and more broadly, her experience in supporting high-performing teams to navigate complexity and embrace diverse thinking will be invaluable.”
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