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EF: What drew you to animal health, and what experience can you bring from the human pharmaceuticals business to this new position in animal health?
IE: After over 25 years of working in human health-focused companies, I wanted to try something new and saw it as a great opportunity when Zoetis, the world's leading animal health company, reached out to me. It would give me a chance to continue in health, where I can bring value with my experience, but also to grow personally and professionally and expand my knowledge. I am driven by innovation, and Zoetis's diverse portfolio caught my attention.
For the company, I bring extensive experience with complex diseases and effective communication with various stakeholders in this industry. In animal health, new opportunities emerge as our understanding of diseases improves. This allows us to innovate and collaborate with veterinarians to help them treat diseases more effectively, boosting their confidence in handling new challenges. Meanwhile, engaging with pet owners and including them in decision-making is also important, as animals are an essential part of their lives.
Understanding pets and the human-animal bond is crucial, as it strengthens relationships between pets and their owners, promoting good health and well-being in both, whether it's dogs, cats, or even horses. There is a strong link between human and animal health, and even if not everyone realizes it, animal health is essential for the public and people's well-being.
EF: Could you elaborate on Zoetis’ diverse portfolio and how it is tailored to the country's regional needs?
IE: The global population is expected to grow to 10 billion by 2050. This growth increases the demand for protein, making animal health essential for food security. Safeguarding food sources for the growing global population is a priority for us. Maintaining animal health is crucial for disease prevention and control.
We are committed to helping pet owners maintain the health of their pets and support their medical care. Studies indicate that 86% of pet owners are prepared to pay any amount necessary for their pet's veterinary care. Additionally, studies show that even with a 20% reduction in their budget, pet owners do not cut back on spending for their pets' needs. Mexico has a large pet population, but only about 20% have access to medical care, indicating an opportunity for growth in this area.
Regarding livestock, the demand for veterinary services is increasing, which is vital for boosting farms' productivity, health, and efficiency. In Mexico, we aim to support cattle, pig, and poultry farms by providing access to advanced technology. Healthier animals are key to increased farm productivity, a concept well understood by large farms. However, our goal is to extend support to medium and small farms by offering training and tools that enable them to make informed decisions and effectively use these technologies.
We are dedicated to enhancing animal health in Mexico through innovative solutions that improve productivity and strengthen the bond between animals and humans. This is particularly exciting for companion animals as we introduce new products and innovative approaches to the market. One of our latest innovations is the introduction of monoclonal antibodies for pets. These advanced products are designed to be highly effective and require a clear understanding from both veterinarians and pet owners to ensure proper use. Last year, we launched two new brands to treat osteoarthritis in dogs and cats. This year, we are focused on expanding our presence in this market.
Another focus area in our innovation and product portfolio is dermatology. We offer various solutions for managing allergies, itching, and inflammation in dogs, conditions that can potentially lead to more serious diseases. For livestock, we launched a new vaccine last year that protects healthy cattle against Mycoplasma bovis.
EF: How does Zoetis promote animal health awareness in the community? Do you have any initiatives in Mexico?
IE: We support vets with materials for consultations and work to communicate effectively with pet owners to foster a culture of care. We run targeted campaigns in specific areas to increase awareness about animal health. Our digital campaigns are particularly aimed at the demographic that owns the most pets. Our outreach efforts include social media campaigns on platforms like Facebook and Instagram and partnerships with companies focused on companion animals.
Our goal is to raise awareness of pain management in osteoarthritis, atopy allergies, and itching, and emphasize the importance of the preventive use of parasiticides.
EF: What makes Zoetis such a great workplace, and what kind of talent does the company need to thrive in this industry?
IE: Talent makes a difference. You can have the best strategy and portfolio, but achieving success is challenging without the right people and mindset. We must create environments where employees can thrive and reach their full potential. Zoetis Mexico has been recognized for the third year as a great place to work. Last year, we were also named one of the best places to work for women, reflecting our commitment to providing a healthy work environment where employees can excel and feel valued.
Globally, we were recognized this year as one of the world's most ethical companies, aligning with our core values. Zoetis is also the first animal health company to receive the Catalyst Award, recognition for the inclusion, equity, and diversity across the company.
In Mexico, we are committed to promoting diversity within our company, with a strong focus on the livestock sector. Despite women's significant roles in this field, they are often not in decision-making positions. To address this, we have launched initiatives that highlight women's essential contributions to the field. Through interviews, videos, and conferences featuring our female colleagues, farmers, and owners, we aim to showcase women’s critical roles in livestock and inspire other women to pursue leadership positions. In our programs called "IMPULSA Mujeres en Acción” and “Mujeres en Ganadería” we share stories that empower women inside and outside the company.
These initiatives are close to my heart and were a key reason I joined the company. In my first week, I attended a meeting with major farmers and owners in Mexico, where I was the only woman present. Since then, I have actively engaged with women in all livestock areas, from ownership to distribution and partnerships, aiming to empower them and inspire others in the sector.
EF: When you reach your first anniversary in this role, what achievements do you think you'll be most proud of?
IE: I want to emphasize how Zoetis uses its organizational influence to transform the animal health landscape and add value. Our commitment to continuous and integrated health is central to our strategy. We have developed a robust and varied portfolio that prioritizes innovation in all aspects of animal care—from genetics for prediction and vaccines for prevention to diagnostics for detection and medicines for treatment.
By effectively leveraging these tools in collaboration with our partners in both livestock and companion animal sectors, we make a significant impact on animal health in Mexico. I am proud of our leadership in the market and our sustainable growth. Our initiatives in Mexico and globally enhance sustainability, which benefits our operations and sets our farmers apart. As they incorporate sustainable practices into their production processes, they foster a mutually beneficial relationship for animals and humans, as well as the environment and economy.
EF: What would be your final message?
IE: I'm very proud of my decision to join Zoetis, where innovation runs through every aspect of the organization, from product development to market delivery. Artificial intelligence is pivotal to our ongoing innovation efforts, helping us discover new therapeutic targets and improve our diagnostic capabilities. One notable example is our Vetscan Imagyst diagnostic platform, which enables veterinarians to quickly access diagnoses in their clinics. This tool efficiently identifies sediments and fecal parasites, thereby improving decision-making and the quality of care.
Another exciting innovation is Clarifide plus our genetic test, which helps dairy farmers select the best animals based on vast data sets. By using this technology, farmers can predict which animals possess optimal genomics for the dairy sector. This leads to healthier animals, around 44% reduction in antibiotic use, and a remarkable 10% decrease in methane emissions. Such advancements in genetics are revolutionizing the production of healthier animal protein.
