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Morris Animal Foundation, a global leader in supporting research to advance animal health, today announced it has appointed Dr. John Reddington as the organization’s new president and CEO, effective May 16. A veterinarian and researcher by training, Dr. Reddington has nearly 30 years of experience in the animal and human health industries.

“Dr. Reddington brings to Morris Animal Foundation a wealth of experience across a broad range of animal-health related enterprises,” said Walt George, the foundation’s interim CEO and board trustee. “His entrepreneurial history and strong leadership skills, combined with his veterinary background and research training, make him uniquely qualified to lead the foundation. His passion for animals and desire to make a difference in their lives brought him to the foundation, and we are excited to welcome him on board.”

Most recently, Dr. Reddington was working as a consultant for the biopharma industry, prior to which he was chief operating officer for Cambridge Biomedical Inc., a privately held contract research organization. Dr. Reddington has served as president and CEO of Sirtex Medical Inc., a U.S. division of the Australian company Sirtex Medical Group Ltd. Prior to joining Sirtex, he was chief operating officer and senior vice president of research and development for Valentis Inc., where he played a key role in transitioning Valentis’ clinical focus in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

“I have been impressed by Morris Animal Foundation and its mission since first coming to know about it in veterinary school, and have followed its progress and superb reputation over the years,” said Dr. Reddington. “As a long-time pet owner and licensed veterinarian, I have always had a passion to help animals. I’m looking forward to doing everything I can to continue the foundation’s legacy of improving the lives of animals around the world.”

Dr. Reddington received his DVM and PhD in immunology from Washington State University. He started his first company, DiagXotics Inc., in 1990. The company specialized in commercializing vaccines and diagnostics for exotic and zoonotic animal diseases, validating them for clinical use and licensing technologies from leading veterinary schools and research institutes.

About Morris Animal Foundation

Morris Animal Foundation is a nonprofit organization that invests in science to advance animal health. The foundation is a global leader in funding scientific studies for companion animals, horses and wildlife. Since its founding in 1948, Morris Animal Foundation has invested more than $100 million toward 2,400 studies that have led to significant breakthroughs in diagnostics, treatments, preventions and cures to benefit animals worldwide. Learn more at Morris Animal Foundation.