2026 Feather in Her Cap Award Winner: Beatrice Vos, LL.M., PhD
Managing Partner, Stonehaven Transactions AG

Beatrice Vos has more than 20 years of experience in senior legal, mergers and acquisitions, and business development roles within the animal health industry. As managing partner of Stonehaven Transactions AG, she leads the firm’s transactions practice, advising animal health companies, innovators, and investors on mergers, acquisitions and strategic transactions. Previously, Vos held senior leadership roles at Elanco Animal Health and Eli Lilly and Company, including serving as vice president and head of Legal International at Elanco, where she played a key role in major industry transactions, including Elanco’s acquisitions of Bayer Animal Health and Novartis Animal Health.

Vos is widely recognized for her commitment to mentoring women and supporting inclusive leadership. She is actively involved in initiatives that promote gender equality and has served as a mentor to numerous professionals across the animal health industry, emphasizing flexibility, trust and long-term career development.

As part of her recognition, Beatice Vos selected The International Network for Aid, Relief and Assistance (INARA) to receive a $5,000 donation. INARA provides access to life-altering medical and mental health care to children impacted by human-induced or natural disasters.

Nominees for the 2026 Feather in Her Cap Award included:

• Ellen de Brabander, MS, PhD – Executive Vice President, External Innovation, R&D, and Regulatory Affairs, Elanco
• Louise Grubb, MBS, Dip Diet – CEO and Founder, TriviumVet
• Susanne Heartsill, DVM, DABVP (Canine & Feline Practice) – Director, U.S. Companion Animal Veterinary Services, Ceva Animal Health
• Jennifer Hewitt – Senior Vice President, Global Manufacturing Technology and Global Manufacturing Supply, Zoetis
• Lauren Landolph – Vice President, Head of Commercial and Distribution Channels, Felixvet, Inc.
• Laura Olsen – President, North America and Chief Marketing Officer, Dechra Veterinary Products
• Melinda Poole, DVM – Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance, Loyal
• Katherine Vannatta, MBA – Senior Vice President, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Phibro Animal Health
• Terri Wasmoen, PhD – President, Innovative BioTech Consulting, LLC
• Laura Watenpool, MBA – Vice President of Sales, Virbac U.S.

2026 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award Winner: Celine Halioua
Founder and CEO, Loyal

Celine Halioua is the founder and CEO of Loyal, a biotechnology company focused on developing prescription medicines intended to support healthy lifespan in dogs. Since founding the company in 2020, Halioua has led Loyal’s scientific, operational and strategic direction, building a multidisciplinary team of scientists, veterinarians and industry professionals. Under her leadership, Loyal has advanced multiple clinical programs and established a novel regulatory pathway within veterinary medicine focused on aging-related indications.

Halioua has been recognized for her entrepreneurial leadership and commitment to scientific rigor. In addition to building Loyal, she has emphasized mentorship and the development of diverse teams, with women represented across scientific, technical and leadership roles within the company.

Nominees for the 2026 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award included:

• Liane Hart, MS – Co-Founder and CEO, Verility, LLC
• Adriann Sax, MBA – President, CEO, and Co-Founder, Vetigenics Inc.

2026 High Flyer Award Winner: Laura Gustafson, MBA
Senior Director, Consumer Brand Experience, U.S. Pet Health, Elanco Animal Health
Laura Gustafson is a senior marketing and commercial leader at Elanco Animal Health, where she serves as senior director of Consumer Brand Experience for U.S. Pet Health. She leads integrated consumer, digital commerce and brand experience strategies across Elanco’s U.S. pet health portfolio. Her work focuses on connecting consumer engagement, digital retail and brand strategy within the regulatory and scientific framework of animal health.

Gustafson transitioned to animal health after a career in consumer packaged goods and has been recognized for applying data-driven, omnichannel marketing approaches in the industry. She is also noted for her commitment to mentorship, supporting early-career professionals and fostering collaborative, high-performing teams.

Nominees for the 2026 High Flyer Award included:

• Andrea Delpero – Sr. Manager, Pharmacology, Akston
• Allison Phibbs, MS – Director, North America Public Policy, Merck Animal Health
• Jessica Wu, PhD, DVM – Sr. Director, Head of Global Medical Strategy, and Partnerships, Zoetis

2026 Champion of Women in Animal Health Award Winner: Fabian Kausche, MS, DVM
Senior Executive Advisor and Board Member
Fabian Kausche is the inaugural recipient of the Champion of Women in Animal Health Award, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to mentoring, sponsoring and advocating for women’s advancement within the industry. Over a global career spanning more than three decades, Kausche has held senior executive, advisory and board roles across animal health, consumer health and research organizations.

Throughout his career, Kausche has been recognized by colleagues and mentees for his consistent mentorship of women across functions and career stages. Letters supporting his nomination document his role in providing career guidance, advocating for advancement opportunities and creating inclusive leadership environments. His mentoring approach emphasizes empathy and accountability.

Additional nominee for the 2026 Champion of Women in Animal Health Award included:

• Rohini Persaud, MBA – Senior Vice President of Commercial Finance, Zoetis