VIRBAC CORPORATION NAMES PAUL HAYS AS PRESIDENT AND CEO, NORTH AMERICA

2014/03/10

Fort Worth, Texas (March 10, 2014) – Virbac Corporation today announced that Paul Hays has been promoted to President and CEO of North America, effective April 1, 2014, succeeding Dr. Erik Martinez. In his new role, Hays will oversee all corporate functions for Virbac North America and be responsible for the growth and profitability of both U.S. and Canadian operations.

Hays has devoted his entire career to the animal health industry. Prior to joining Virbac, in January of 2013, he served as Vice President Global Diagnostics at Pfizer Animal Health, leading the Synbiotics Corporation integration into Pfizer’s businesses across the globe and across functions. Hays served as Synbiotics’ President and Chief Executive Officer for eight years and lead the sale to Pfizer.

Preceding that, Hays held progressing senior management roles with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. leading to the Executive Vice President, U.S. Business Operations where he led its US business. Earlier, he was part of the US start-up team for CIBA Animal Health (today, Novartis) and began his career as sales representative for Coopers Animal Health. He earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Missouri.

Hays will report to Sébastien Huron, Executive Board member and Head of Global Business Operations. “Over the past year and a half, Paul and Erik have worked closely together and we are very happy to announce this promotion.” said Huron. “Paul has recently recruited highly qualified directors in commercial operations and will now take his leadership to an even more important role building a high performing team at the North American level. We are very excited about the opportunities that lie in front of us and we are proud to continue building on the legacy of supporting both our veterinarian customers and pet owners.”

Virbac develops, manufactures and distributes a wide range of products and services intended for the prevention and treatment of common pathologies in companion animals. Virbac Corporation, located in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leading companion animal health company offering products in the heartworm, tick and flea, dermatology, antibiotic, endocrinology, senior care, behavior, critical care nutrition, and oral hygiene markets. Virbac products are available to pet owners exclusively through a veterinarian.