Kevin Esch

Kevin Esch, D.V.M., M.P.H., Ph.D., Dipl. ACVP, is Senior Vice President, Global Therapeutics at Zoetis, the world’s leading animal health company and a member of the Fortune 500. Effective January 1, 2026, Dr. Esch will become Executive Vice President and President, Research and Development, succeeding Dr. Robert Polzer. In this role, he will lead Zoetis’ global R&D organization, advancing the company’s robust pipeline of innovative medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and technologies for veterinarians, livestock producers and pet owners worldwide.

Since joining Zoetis in 2014, Dr. Esch has held a series of influential positions within the R&D organization. As Senior Vice President of Global Therapeutics, he oversees research and development across pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical portfolios, including discovery, molecule design, pharmacology, safety and clinical development. Dr. Esch’s leadership has driven progress across Zoetis’ Companion Animal and Livestock franchises, and he has played a pivotal role in integrating the company’s Petmedix and Adivo acquisitions.

Dr. Esch began his career as a practicing veterinarian and practice owner for over a decade before joining Zoetis. He holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a Ph.D. in Immunobiology from Iowa State University, a Master of Public Health from the University of Iowa, and is board certified in Veterinary Anatomic Pathology.

A champion of talent development and workplace culture, Dr. Esch was named Zoetis Working Parent of the Year in 2023. He currently chairs the External Advisory Board for Research at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and has served as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer on the Board of Directors for the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.