A human health care veteran has been named chief operating officer of Banfield Pet Hospital, a position that will allow him to manage further expansion of the company’s network of more than 1,000 clinics.
Jim Ashby, MBA, most recently served as president and CEO of CareMeridian, which operates 34 in-patient specialty nursing and rehabilitation facilities in five Western states.
The COO seat was previously held by Brian Garish, who was promoted in February 2017 to president of Vancouver, Washington-based Banfield.
“Principled leadership is a top priority for Banfield, making Jim’s experience and purpose-driven management style the ideal combination of qualities for our new COO,” Garish said in a statement released Nov. 6. “Jim’s team-building and talent-development focus will strengthen our operations team as we continue to fulfill our purpose and extend our reach to get even more pets the care they deserve.”
Ashby spent 14 years at CareMeridian and before that job was CEO of South Coast Rehabilitation Services.
“As COO,” Banfield reported, “Jim will lead Banfield’s field leadership team and the operations of the practice’s more than 1,000 hospitals, providing strategic direction for future business growth, including new hospital openings and acquired practices, by overseeing hospital operations, facilities, real estate and construction.”
Ashby also will serve as senior vice president.