Animalcare replaces chief executive

Animalcare has announced Stephen Wildridge as its new chief executive as part of a move to restructure its corporate focus.

Mr Wildridge, who is currently the animal health company’s managing director, takes over the role from Simon Riddell, who is standing down from his position with immediate effect.

He has been appointed on account of his experience in the veterinary pharmaceutical sector, which has been identified as an increasingly important business area by Animalcare.

James Lambert, chairman of Animalcare Group, hailed the contribution of Mr Riddell towards the company’s growth in the last five years.

He added: “I believe Stephen has the knowledge and management experience to continue the rapid growth of the Animalcare business.”

Earlier this year, the company published its financial breakdown for the 2009 fiscal year, during which it experienced a 15 per cent year-on-year sales increase driven in part by the strong performance of its veterinary medicines unit.