EAST LONGMEADOW, MASS. — W.F. Young, parent company of Absorbine® and The Missing Link® and other animal health brands, announced two personnel appointments earlier this month. The company has appointed Jaime McKinley to chief executive officer, in addition to her role as president, and Vicki Evans to chief operating officer, in addition to her role as chief financial officer.

McKinley originally joined W.F. Young as brand manager in 1992 and was named president of the company in 2021. During her executive role at the company, McKinley has led five acquisitions, two industry partnerships, and aided in the development and launch of more than 25 new animal health products. She has also helped transform W.F. Young’s in-office environment and culture to prioritize employee health and wellness.

“On behalf of the board, I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Jaime McKinley as W.F. Young's next CEO,” said Jean Young, co-chairperson of W.F. Young's Board of Directors. “A proven leader, Jaime has redefined what success looks like at W.F. Young over the last 30 years. She brings care, compassion and innovation into all that she does, making her the natural and deserving choice for this role. The board and I look forward to working with Jaime as we continue our mission to advance animal wellness.”

McKinley has received several recognitions for her work. In 2022, she won a Bronze Stevie® Award in the Maverick of the Year category from the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and a CEO of the Year award from the Katahdin Group. She was also named on Pet Age Magazine’s 2022 Power 50 List.

Evans originally began her career with W.F. Young in 2006 as chief financial officer, leveraging 15 years of experience in consumer packaged goods. Prior to joining the company, she held many vice president and chief operating officer roles at German startups, aiding their development and operational expansions into the United States.

“Vicki is a seasoned financial executive with comprehensive business experience,” McKinley said.  “Her passionate pursuit of operational and financial excellence are key drivers in W.F. Young’s future success.”

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.