Human Health Leader Takes Reins to Reshape Advanced Pet Care

AUSTIN, TX – December 01, 2025 – In a move signaling the increasing sophistication of the pet care industry, National Veterinary Associates (NVA) has appointed Leslie Storms, a seasoned executive from the pinnacle of human healthcare, as the new President of Ethos Veterinary Health. The appointment, effective immediately, places a leader with nearly two decades of experience at Johnson & Johnson at the helm of NVA's premier network of over 140 specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals.

Storms' transition from leading multi-billion dollar human medical technology and pharmaceutical units to the world of advanced animal care is more than a high-profile career change. It represents a significant moment in the convergence of human and animal medicine, reflecting a market where pets are increasingly seen as family members deserving of the most advanced medical treatments available. Her appointment, which includes becoming an investor in the company, underscores a deep commitment to what she calls a mission to "revolutionize veterinary medicine."

A New Prescription for Pet Health

Leslie Storms' resume reads like a blueprint for navigating and leading complex healthcare systems. During her extensive 18-year tenure at Johnson & Johnson, she was responsible for massive operating units, serving as U.S. President of Orthopedics within Johnson & Johnson MedTech and President of Ethicon U.S. In these roles, she oversaw teams that supplied critical general surgery and orthopedic products to both human and veterinary hospitals, giving her a unique, pre-existing window into the animal health sector.

This background is particularly relevant to Ethos, a network built on providing advanced services like oncology, neurology, and complex surgery for pets. Storms’ experience at DePuy Synthes, Johnson & Johnson's orthopedics company, involved supporting the expansion of specialized care delivery models to improve quality and convenience. This expertise in scaling specialized medical operations is precisely what a rapidly growing network like Ethos requires.

"Leslie is a transformational leader with deep healthcare expertise and a strong track record of building high-performing teams," said John Bruno, CEO of NVA, in the official announcement. He highlighted her proven ability to deliver growth and manage major acquisitions, calling her "an ideal fit to lead Ethos Veterinary Health into its next phase of growth and impact." For her part, Storms has emphasized a people-first philosophy that transcends species. "I believe the greatest impact we can have is through the teams we build and the lives we touch," she stated.

The Strategic Blueprint for Specialty Care

Storms' appointment comes at a pivotal time for NVA and the broader veterinary industry. In March 2023, NVA, which is backed by private equity giant JAB Investors, undertook a significant restructuring. It formed two distinct businesses: Ethos Veterinary Health, focused exclusively on its approximately $2 billion specialty and emergency hospital network, and a separate NVA entity for its general practice, equine, and pet resort locations. This move was widely seen as a strategic preparation for potential Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) for each unit, allowing them to pursue distinct growth priorities.

NVA has been a dominant force in market consolidation, acquiring Ethos Veterinary Health in a $1.65 billion deal in 2021 and SAGE Veterinary Care for $1.1 billion, more than tripling in size since JAB's initial acquisition in 2019. This aggressive growth, however, has not gone unnoticed. In 2022, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) imposed restrictions on NVA's ability to acquire more specialty and emergency clinics in certain markets, citing anti-competitive concerns. The regulatory environment demands a leader adept at navigating complexity, a key strength NVA's leadership attributes to Storms.

Her arrival follows a year of interim leadership by Donna Sroczynski, who will now return to her role as Head of Operations. Sroczynski, who also has a background in human healthcare operations and nursing, is credited with stabilizing and aligning the 140+ hospitals post-acquisition, focusing on operational excellence and culture. Storms is now poised to build on that foundation, leveraging her experience in large-scale integration and market strategy to accelerate Ethos's mission.

Revolutionizing Care for a New Generation of Pets

The ultimate impact of this leadership change will be measured in the clinics and operating rooms where pets receive care. Storms' stated goal to "help pets live longer, healthier lives" aligns perfectly with the powerful trends reshaping veterinary medicine. The industry is in the midst of a technological revolution, with innovations once reserved for human hospitals becoming increasingly common for animal companions.

Artificial intelligence is now assisting in the analysis of X-rays and CT scans, detecting diseases with remarkable accuracy. Telemedicine platforms are connecting pet owners in rural areas with urban specialists, while wearable sensors monitor chronic conditions in real-time. Minimally invasive techniques, like interventional radiology for treating liver cancer, are reducing recovery times and improving outcomes. Storms' background in medical technology at one of the world's most innovative companies positions her perfectly to champion and integrate these advancements across the Ethos network.

However, the industry also faces profound challenges, including high rates of burnout and staff shortages in the high-stress environment of emergency and specialty care. A leader's ability to foster a supportive and inspiring culture is critical. Storms' passion for mentorship, evident in her advisory role with the nonprofit MedExecWomen, suggests a focus on team-building that will be essential for retaining top talent.

By bringing in a leader with a proven track record of scaling specialized healthcare operations while fostering high-performing teams, NVA is making a clear statement. The future of veterinary medicine is not just about consolidation; it is about elevating the standard of care, expanding options for families, and creating a sustainable, innovative environment where both pets and veterinary professionals can thrive.