Elanco Animal Health Welcomes Jamie Preston as New Chief People Officer

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated has announced the significant appointment of Jamie Preston as its new Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, effective from November 3rd, 2026. Her appointment comes after a thorough search, reflecting the company's commitment to foster a highly engaged global workforce focused on inclusion and well-being.

Jamie Preston joins Elanco with over 23 years of rich experience in human resources, particularly from her previous role at Eli Lilly and Company, where she served as the Vice President of HR for Global Compensation and Workforce Innovation. Under her leadership, she oversaw the compensation strategies for Lilly’s expansive workforce of more than 50,000 employees, while also leading initiatives in AI and workforce modernization across the organization.

Jeff Simmons, Elanco's President and CEO, praised Preston's dynamic leadership style and her deep experience in human resources, spanning organizational design, talent development, workforce innovation, and digital transformation. He is confident that Preston's skills will align seamlessly with Elanco's drive for growth and its mission of improving the lives of animals and humans alike.

Preston's extensive career at Lilly began within the sales division, and she has since held several key executive HR roles, including positions that spanned multiple countries in the Asia-Pacific region such as Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Her impressive accomplishments include guiding the regional strategies that turned Asia into a billion-dollar business avenue for Lilly.

Expressing her enthusiasm for her new role, Preston stated, "Elanco's purpose of enriching lives through food and companionship strongly resonates with me. I am eager to work collaboratively with our global teams to champion our people, promote workforce innovation, and nurture a culture where talent can thrive, ultimately benefiting veterinarians, pet owners, farmers, and the animals we all care for."

In addition to her corporate achievements, Preston is also committed to community engagement. She serves on the board of directors for Teach for America in Indianapolis and has previously contributed to the Cancer Support Community of Central Indiana. Her educational background includes a master's degree and a bachelor's degree in health service administration from the University of Evansville, along with completing the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) Program at the prestigious Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

This leadership shift also marks a significant milestone as Dave Kinard, a notable figure in Elanco's journey, announces his retirement at the end of this year. Kinard has been instrumental in establishing Elanco's global HR infrastructure since its split from Lilly's animal health division, overseeing a range of significant developments including the company's relocation to Indianapolis and the creation of the