Vince Sharp formally steps up as VetNZ CEO
After six months as acting Chief Executive Officer, we are excited to announce the permanent appointment of Vince Sharp to the role of CEO at VetNZ.
Vince has been a key figure in the development and expansion of VetNZ, having been involved since its inception.
Originally from Clevedon, where his family still farms, Vince first moved down to Southland to work as a mixed animal vet, after graduating from Massey University with a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Sciences in 1996. Seeing an opportunity to help the growing dairy industry in Eastern Southland, he bought into the Gore Vets practice as the head dairy vet, and continued in that role while it expanded through the merger with Central Southland Vets to become VetSouth.
As VetSouth grew the parent-company VetNZ was born, and Vince has held key positions in the process. At VetNZ, he helped with developing the company’s joint ventures in procurement, wholesaling and vertical integration, before becoming Director of Strategic Investments. It was in this role that he assisted with the expansion and investment into Westland and Australia. Vince then stepped in as interim CEO of VetNZ for six months, before now formally taking on the position.
Alongside heading up VetNZ, Vince also acts as the company representative across its supply, wholesale and procurement interests as Director at Agilis Vets and Fortis Vet Ltd, Managing Director at Quantum Vets, and Chairperson at The Vet Group in Australia.
So, what is Vince’s vision for VetNZ?
“I want to see VetNZ deliver its strategy and vision across NZ and Australia. I know that as we deliver more locally-owned and operated vet hubs, we will be creating a future for the profession and guaranteeing the best vet service and support for farmers and animal owners in more and more areas.
“I want VetNZ group to become the preferred vet business for people to work at and for clients to seek the services of.
“We have some amazing people at all levels across our group and as CEO I get to work at enabling them to be their best. I’m very passionate about what we do and how successful we can be at it.”
And what does he most enjoy about his role?
“It's an amazing group with a strategy and purpose that I really believe in.
“To work in a place like this, with people that are just as passionate about what we do and why, is a privilege. Everyday you get to see continual results that make a difference.”
“I really enjoy working with such capable and talented people and learning how non-vets can add so much value to a vet business.”
A welcome from the Board
Welcoming Vince to his new position, Graham Stuart, Board Chair, VetNZ Group Ltd, said:
“I am thrilled that Vince has agreed to take on this key leadership role, enabling him to lead the business through its next exciting period of growth.
“This outstanding leader has played a big part in building the VetNZ group of companies to being one of New Zealand’s leading operator-owned veterinary groups, and his appointment reflects his commitment to continuing to innovate and provide high quality services to our clients.”
“His appointment ensures the VetNZ group has the leadership capabilities not only to continue to provide excellent service, but also to further grow and develop the business and set us up for future success.
Outside of the office, Vince likes to spend time with his family - whether it be travelling or being involved with various sports. While he doesn’t get much time to practice as a vet nowadays, he does still keep in touch with some of his old clients and enjoys working with the vets and retail teams across VetNZ to focus on animal needs, therapies and preventative medicine.
We hope you will join us in congratulating Vince on his new appointment.