Connor Lawrie Appointed CEO of Heartland Veterinary Partners: A New Era of Leadership

Heartland Veterinary Partners' New Leadership

In a significant move to further strengthen its position in the veterinary support sector, Heartland Veterinary Partners has announced the appointment of Connor Lawrie as Chief Executive Officer. Lawrie's transition into this leadership role comes after nearly a decade of valuable service to the company, including three years as President and COO.

Based in Chicago, Heartland Veterinary Partners has been recognized as a leading veterinary support organization across the United States, operating nearly 350 practices in 32 states. This transition in leadership is part of a strategic plan aimed at ensuring the company continues on its growth trajectory while remaining committed to its mission of enhancing the lives of veterinarians and their support staff.

Luke Schroeder, a partner at Gryphon Investors, expressed that Lawrie's promotion stems from a detailed succession planning process. He highlighted that throughout his tenure, Lawrie has been integral in driving operational excellence and fostering a strong culture centered around veterinary care. The confidence in Lawrie's leadership ability is concrete, with Schroeder stating that he is well-equipped to elevate Heartland to new heights.

The outgoing CEO, Greg DeAtkine, who has overseen a considerable expansion of the company, will now serve on the Board of Directors. In this advisory role, DeAtkine will continue to provide critical strategic support and direction to the company's leadership team. Kevin Blank, Co-Head of Gryphon's Healthcare Group, commended DeAtkine for his transformative vision and is pleased to have his expertise continuing within the company.

Connor Lawrie brings extensive experience in both animal and human healthcare to his new position as CEO. Prior to joining Heartland, he held key operational and developmental roles at National Surgical Healthcare. When he became COO of Heartland in 2017, the company had only a handful of practices; now, under his leadership as President/COO, he has expanded its operational footprint significantly. His responsibilities encompassed strategic initiatives focused on growth, marketing, and the integration and expansion of facilities.

Heartland Veterinary Partners stands out not only for its impressive scale but also for its commitment to fostering a values-driven approach in its practices and partnerships with independent veterinarians. The company aims to facilitate exceptional veterinary care, ensuring that the veterinarians it supports can thrive in their vocation.

In conjunction with this transition, Gryphon Investors – the private investment firm backing Heartland – expresses optimism about the future direction of the organization. With more than $10 billion in assets under management, Gryphon focuses on nurturing companies with competitive advantages, particularly in sectors such as Business Services, Consumer, and Healthcare. Their investment philosophy emphasizes building partnerships that yield sustained value, aligning with Heartland's mission to enhance veterinary practices.

As Connor Lawrie steps into his new role as CEO, the veterinary community and stakeholders of Heartland Veterinary Partners are keenly watching to see how this leadership change will impact the company’s future trajectory, especially in its commitment to improving veterinary care across the U.S. With a dedicated focus on strategic growth and impeccable operational oversight, Lawrie is poised to lead Heartland into its next chapter of success.