Animal Health Brand W.F. Young Appoints Jaime McKinley as CEO

Listen to this article

Press release: W.F. Young

W.F. Young, a global leader in animal health products, such as Absorbine and The Missing Link, recently announced the appointment of Jaime McKinley as chief executive officer, in addition to her current role as president, and Vicki Evans as chief operating officer, in addition to her current role as chief financial officer.

McKinley joined W.F. Young as a brand manager in 1992 and was named president in 2021. At the executive level, she has led five strategic acquisitions, two industry partnerships, the development and launch of over 25 new products, and a change to the in-office environment and culture prioritizing employee health and wellness.

“On behalf of the Board, I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Jaime McKinley as W.F. Young’s next CEO,” said Jean Young, co-chairperson of W.F. Young’s Board of Directors. “A proven leader, Jaime has redefined what success looks like at W.F. Young over the last 30 years. She brings care, compassion and innovation into all that she does, making her the natural and deserving choice for this role. The Board and I look forward to working with Jaime as we continue our mission to advance animal wellness.”

In 2022, McKinley won a Bronze Stevie Award in the Maverick of the Year category at the 19th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. She also received a 2022 CEO of the Year honor from the Katahdin Group, and was named to Pet Age Magazine’s 2022 Power 50 List, while W.F. Young was named one of the Best Companies to Work For by the publication.

Evans started with W.F. Young in 2006 as chief financial officer bringing 15 years of experience within the rotogravure printing and consumer packaged goods industries. She held positions as vice president and COO with German start-up companies as they built and developed operations in the United States.

“Vicki is a seasoned financial executive with comprehensive business experience. Her passionate pursuit of operational and financial excellence are key drivers in W.F. Young’s future success,” said Jaime McKinley, CEO and president of W.F. Young.

Founded in 1892 by Mary Ida and her husband, Wilbur Fenelon Young, W. F. Young, Inc. has manufactured and distributed high-quality and trusted animal health and wellness products for over 130 years. A 2022 winner of the National Animal Supplement Council Visionary Award, the company is recognized as a worldwide leader in innovative, specialized animal health care brands – including Absorbine Veterinary Liniment, UltraShield fly control, ShowSheen grooming products, Silver Honey, Hooflex hoof care, as well as Absorbine and The Missing Link nutritional supplements – that improve wellness and enhance the quality and enjoyment of life for people and their animals.