Industry veteran retiring

Hill’s Pet Nutrition announced a transition in its global veterinary leadership. After 13 years of dedicated service, Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn, Global Chief Veterinary Officer, will retire effective June 30, 2026. Concurrently, Dr. Karen Shenoy has been appointed as the new Global Chief Veterinary Officer, joining the Hill’s global leadership team to advance the company's deep commitment to the veterinary profession.

Dr. Karen Shenoy

With a robust background in veterinary leadership and care, Dr. Shenoy will lead the global Professional & Veterinary Affairs function, representing Hill’s in industry engagements worldwide. She will leverage her extensive experience leading professional and commercial teams, and her passion for veterinary medicine and the role of pet nutrition, to help advance the profession and further strengthen relationships between Hill’s and the veterinary community across the world.

Dr. Shenoy brings a wealth of experience to the position. Most recently, she served as Vice President and Chief Veterinarian for Hill's EMEA, where she successfully developed and deployed strategies to advance Hill’s as a brand trusted and recommended by veterinary healthcare teams in the region.

“Dr. Shenoy’s proven global expertise will play a critical role on the global 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 Yvonne Hsu, president of Hill’s. “Dr. Shenoy is a strong ambassador for the veterinary profession and has played an instrumental role, leading efforts to share Hill’s scientific advancements to support the profession in the US and EMEA with a strong focus on inclusion, education, and advocacy. I look forward to her contributions in her expanded role as Global Chief Veterinary Officer.”

Dr. Shenoy’s journey with Hill’s began in 2008 as a Practice Development Veterinarian in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After holding several field-based roles, she relocated to Hill’s headquarters in Kansas in 2015 to serve as Senior Manager, Academic Affairs. Progressing through various leadership roles, she served as Chief Veterinary Officer for Hill’s US from 2022 to 2025.

“I'm honored to become Hill’s Global Chief Veterinary Officer and continue the incredible work of Dr. Kirpensteijn ,” said Dr. Shenoy. “At Hill’s, we believe in the profound power of nutrition to transform pets’ lives. I look forward to working alongside our talented teams of scientists, researchers, and veterinary professionals to further elevate our clinical innovations and support veterinary healthcare teams around the world in doing their very best to meet their clients’ and patients’ needs. I’m eager to explore new ways in which Hill’s can support the veterinary profession as a whole."

Dr. Shenoy holds Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn
As Dr. Shenoy assumes her new role, Hill’s celebrates the impact of Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn. Dr. Kirpensteijn joined Hill’s US in 2013 as Chief Professional Relations Officer, transitioning from Utrecht University in the Netherlands where he was a full professor and specialist veterinary surgeon.

Over the past 13 years, Dr. Kirpensteijn has been a cornerstone of Hill’s mission to make nutrition a focal point of veterinary medicine. Dr. Kirpensteijn has established a foundation of credibility and trust among veterinarians, nurses and academic institutions worldwide. During his tenure, he played a critical role in advancing the company’s veterinary partnerships, spearheading the Hill's Global Symposiums and driving educational initiatives that have empowered veterinary professionals worldwide with evidence-based nutrition. His dedication to the study of the overall health and well-being of pets has left an indelible mark on both the company and the broader veterinary profession.

Throughout his tenure, he has also been a dedicated mentor, consistently developing future veterinary and commercial leaders. Dr. Kirpensteijn’s passion for pets and people, deep respect for the veterinary profession and unwavering commitment to Hill's purpose leave a lasting legacy.

“Dr. Kirpensteijn's 13-year tenure at Hill’s has been defined by an unwavering commitment to empowering those who care for pets,” said Hsu. “From his early days establishing a foundation of trust with professionals, to his time as Global Chief Veterinary Officer where he led the professional affairs organization through a digital transformation, expanding nutritional knowledge and boosting veterinary recommendations worldwide, he has been a tireless advocate for the profession. But perhaps his greatest legacy is the people he has impacted. His consistent mentorship has shaped future veterinary leaders across our organization. We are deeply grateful for his service, his vision and his heart for this work.”