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VetThing Expands Into Its Next Growth Phase With New Key Senior Appointments
6 days ago 
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Three veterinary and healthcare business leaders to join vet-led community that offers a unique ownership model
VetThing has announced three new senior appointments, who between them will bring an impressive level of experience, skill and insight to its growing vet-led community. After initially launching in ‘start-up’ mode in autumn 2025, a period of rapid growth saw eight new practices operating across thirteen sites join the new group. VetThing is now moving into a phase of consolidated growth and these three new appointments mean that the organisation and its practices will be well-supported in the future – so that what makes them special is protected and given space to flourish.
The three new appointments are:
- Wendy Furness MA VetMB CertEP MBA MRCVS, who joins as Head of Strategy. Wendy has been involved with VetThing from the outset as an Adviser. Her new role has a wider scope as she works with the team to review the business as it is now after this initial period, and how it might grow and develop in line with the community it is already building.
- Pat Saunders, who joins as Business Partner. Pat’s role will be largely focused on supporting the community of practices. She has a strong track record within multi-site healthcare organisations across the UK and Ireland.
- Nick Park BVetMed MRCVS, who joins as Head of Commercial. An experienced veterinary sector specialist, Nick’s role will be to look at developing the best deals for the VetThing group across a range of service and suppliers. He’s also a trustee for Blue Cross.
On announcing the new appointments, VetThing CEO, Dr Ben Hanning MRCVS, commented: ‘VetThing’s unique operating model is attracting a great deal of interest from the sector and this shows no sign of abating. It’s clear that the quality and diversity of practices choosing VetThing in this relatively short time shows that the profession has been waiting for our kind of model. I’m confident that now is the right time to add the combined high-calibre expertise and insight of Pat, Wendy and Nick into the mix. It’s a real vote of confidence in what we do. I am delighted that they are joining us and really looking forward to working with them.’
Head of Strategy, Wendy Furness, said: ‘We have a real chance to shift the way that we work as a group – providing meaningful opportunities to work with the practices and people joining VetThing in an inclusive and collaborative way. This is what will help us build a truly strong and sustainable business that people want to continue to be part of.’
Pat Saunders, Business Partner, added: ‘I am excited to join VetThing to support its community growth and development, particularly to work with such a group of like-minded people, who are committed to delivering the best care for their patients and clients while supporting each other. The diversity of the practices that are choosing to join VetThing is striking and I love the fact that what makes a practice unique is retained. I recently spent some time with some of the practice managers and it was so rewarding to see how they came together to share their heartfelt experiences and ultimately best practice. I’m looking forward to supporting them as their journey continues.’
Nick Park, Head of Commercial said: ‘It’s great to be involved in something exciting from an early stage. It’s a fast-paced environment, which I love, but fundamentally an interesting operating model that feels like an important and much-needed evolution of our sector. I can’t wait to get started.’
VetThing is part of Vetopia – one of Europe’s fastest-growing veterinary groups with more than 200 practices across nine countries. Each VetThing practice continues to be locally run while benefitting from Vetopia’s extensive European network, advanced resources and collaborative approach that provide support but encourage autonomy.
What really sets the group apart is its unique ownership model as more than half of the company’s shares are owned by employees, an approach rarely seen in the profession. This enables vets and clinic leaders to become shareholders and directly benefit from the group’s success, while fostering long-term value, collective commitment and a sense of shared purpose across the network.
VetThing is interested to hear from other veterinary professionals and practice owners who want to learn more about the benefits of being a member of the group and its growing network. Visit www.vetthing.co.uk to find out more.
About Wendy Furness
- Wendy is a veterinary surgeon and executive leader with more than two decades of experience spanning strategy, governance, investment and business growth. She has built, led, integrated and successfully exited multi-disciplinary veterinary businesses and works across executive leadership, board roles, investment in animal and human health, tech and sustainability.
- Alongside serving on and chairing boards, Wendy supports senior executives and leadership teams through strategy, governance and investment. She is also a Director of Animal Health Angels and an active angel investor
- Outside work, Wendy volunteers in wildlife conservation in southern Africa, is a Trustee of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and the Painted Wolf Foundation, has maintained a running streak of more than 1,000 consecutive days and enjoys wildlife photography.
About Pat Saunders
- Pat is an experienced senior operational and commercial leader with over 35 years of experience of several multi-site healthcare organisations across the UK and Ireland.
- Her interests include walking with her cocker spaniel Max, Pilates and travelling the world making memories with her daughter.
About Nick Park
- Nick is a commercially driven MRCVS qualified veterinary leader with over 25 years of experience spanning practice ownership, M&A, buying group leadership and board-level governance.
- He is just about to complete a Masters in Endangered Species Recovery and Conservation at Nottingham Trent University and is also a Director of Animal Health Angels and a trustee of Blue Cross.
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