Patterson Taps Amazon & Thermo Fisher Vet to Lead Digital Overhaul

ST. PAUL, Minn. – March 26, 2026 – Patterson Companies, a key distributor in the North American and U.K. dental and animal health markets, has announced a significant move to accelerate its technological evolution, appointing Amazon and Thermo Fisher Scientific veteran Gregg Kunes as its new Chief Digital Officer. The appointment signals a strategic pivot, positioning the company to infuse high-tech digital strategy into the traditionally complex world of specialized healthcare distribution.

Kunes, who will report directly to CEO Robert Rajalingam, is tasked with spearheading Patterson's overall digital strategy. The move is seen by industry observers as a decisive step to not only modernize its operations but also to gain a competitive edge in markets undergoing rapid technological disruption. Kunes brings over two decades of experience from environments where digital is not just a feature, but the core business.

“We are thrilled to have Gregg join the team at Patterson. Gregg’s previous success in delivering innovative and scalable solutions made him the right fit for the role,” said Rajalingam in the official announcement. “Patterson is investing in our ongoing digital transformation, and with Gregg now leading that effort, we feel optimistic and excited for this next chapter in the company.”

Kunes's background includes leading a digital games and software portfolio at Amazon, a company that redefined global commerce, and most recently serving as the head of global digital commerce at Thermo Fisher Scientific, where he navigated the complexities of a massive B2B distribution network.

A 'Big Tech' Approach to a Specialized Market

The appointment of a leader with deep roots in e-commerce and large-scale digital transformation is a clear indicator of Patterson's ambitions. The challenge lies in translating the principles learned at consumer-facing giants and massive scientific distributors to the nuanced needs of dental practices and veterinary clinics. These customers require not just product delivery, but integrated software, technical support, and practice management solutions.

Kunes himself has framed his mission around customer-centric innovation. “My focus will be on finding ways we can move faster and work smarter to deliver world-class customer experiences in our markets,” Kunes stated. “Digital transformation will be at the core of how we approach making our customers successful.”

This appointment comes at a time when the CDO role itself is under scrutiny in the corporate world. Often a high-pressure position with a shorter tenure than other C-suite roles, its success hinges on a clear mandate and strong executive support. By placing Kunes directly under the CEO, Patterson appears to be providing the top-down backing necessary for such a transformative role to succeed. The market often reacts positively to CDO appointments when the company shows high growth prospects and a clear vision, a scenario Patterson is aiming to create.

Enhancing the Customer Experience with AI and Data

Patterson is not starting its digital journey from scratch. The company has already laid groundwork, particularly in its dental division. In late 2023, Patterson Dental announced a key partnership with Pearl, a leader in dental AI, to integrate its AI-powered pathology detection features directly into Patterson's widely used Eaglesoft practice management software. This move demonstrated a commitment to embedding advanced technology directly into the daily workflow of its customers.

Internally, the company has also been focused on efficiency, using tools like Tonic.ai to streamline software development and testing. Kunes's arrival is expected to build upon and accelerate these initiatives. His hands-on experience is notable; outside of his corporate roles, Kunes serves on the board of the Pittsburgh chapter of Autism Speaks, where he has personally built AI tools to help families coping with the condition. This practical application of AI to solve real-world problems suggests a leader who sees technology as a tool for tangible improvement.

For Patterson’s customers, this digital push could translate into a more seamless and intelligent experience. Industry trends point towards a future of highly integrated digital ecosystems. In dentistry, this means AI-assisted diagnostics, cloud-based practice management, and intraoral scanners that connect directly to 3D printers for same-day restorations. In animal health, the rise of telemedicine, wearable monitoring devices, and AI-driven analytics is changing how veterinary care is delivered. Kunes’s strategy will likely involve weaving these disparate technologies into a cohesive platform that makes Patterson an indispensable partner for modern practices.

The Digital Arms Race in Healthcare Distribution

Patterson's strategic hire is also a response to a broader industry trend. The specialized distribution sector is in the midst of a digital arms race, where technological maturity is becoming a primary differentiator. Competitors are all vying to optimize their supply chains, enhance their e-commerce platforms, and provide data-driven insights to their customers. A robust digital strategy is no longer optional; it is essential for survival and growth.

AI is at the forefront of this transformation, with its potential to optimize everything from demand forecasting and inventory management to delivery routes and risk mitigation. By appointing a CDO with a proven track record, Patterson is signaling its intent to not just participate in this race but to lead it. The goal is to transform the traditional supply chain into a dynamic, intelligent ecosystem that connects suppliers and providers with unprecedented efficiency.

With his experience spanning the hyper-scalable B2C world of Amazon and the complex B2B landscape of Thermo Fisher, Kunes is uniquely positioned to guide Patterson through this evolution. His leadership will be critical in determining whether the company can successfully harness the power of digital and AI to redefine its value proposition and solidify its leadership position in the dental and animal health markets for years to come.