Pete Orpin appointed as SPVS president
“The hard work and uncertainty of recent years can be turned into smart work and opportunity.” - Pete Orpin, SPVS President.
The Society for Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) has appointed Pete Orpin FRCVS as its new president for 2026.
With this appointment, Ami Sawran takes the role of senior vice-president and Kate Higgins becomes junior vice-president.
Pete Orpin graduated from the University of Bristol in 1983, going on to launch his career in mixed veterinary practice in New Zealand. For more than 30 years, Pete worked as practice owner of Park Vet Group in Leicestershire, where he built expertise in business management, leadership and growth.
He served as president of the British Cattle Veterinary Association in 1999, championing innovation in herd health planning. In 2007, alongside Dick Sibley, he co-developed web-based programme Myhealthyherd.com to improve the prediction and prevention of infectious disease in cattle.
Pete also played a key role in establishing Action Group Johne’s in 2009, shaping the UK National Johne’s Management Plan.
During his presidency at SPVS, Pete will focus on supporting veterinary practices with their futures. Following the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) remedy package, he will seek to provide members with the ‘tools, insights and confidence’ to respond to ongoing change.
SPVS has already launched its SPVS CMA Roadshows, which will run throughout May. Open to members and non-members, the nationwide events will offer practical guidance on the finalised remedies.
It will provide a new programme, SPVS Elevate Leadership and Management, to help build confidence, self-awareness and authentic leadership skills among new leaders. Meanwhile SPVS CMA Tech Day will explore the tools needed to meet compliance and improve efficiency.
Pete Orpin said: “The hard work and uncertainty of recent years can be turned into smart work and opportunity.”
He added: “2026 is the year for practices to get involved with their associations and take positive action with the CMA remedies. The SPVS team are really looking forward to helping members navigate through these challenges and ensure their businesses continue to thrive.”
Image © SPVS
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
