Leadership Team
Our leadership team brings a wealth of expertise, passion, and dedication to every aspect of animal care. With a deep commitment to both veterinary excellence and our local community, our leaders guide the clinic with a clear vision focused on innovation, compassionate care, and continuous improvement.
Brendan James
Chief Executive Officer
Brendan joined the Vet Services team in 2011 as Business Manager and is now our Chief Executive Officer. A qualified Chartered Accountant, Brendan brings strong financial and strategic expertise to the role. He is passionate about Hawke’s Bay, animals, and the rural sector—and is often referred to as a wannabe farmer. He enjoys the unique challenges and rewards of working in the veterinary industry.
Outside of work, Brendan—known to most as BJ—loves spending time with his wife Kelly, son Hamish, and daughter Holly. A self-confessed sports enthusiast, he can often be found on the tennis court, golf course, or mountain bike trails. He has also completed two half Ironmans (with the jury still out on a third!) and maintains a keen interest in the thoroughbred industry.
Simon marshall
Production Animal Veterinarian Group Leader
Simon grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Waipukurau before deciding to pursue a career in veterinary science which led him to study at Massey University. After graduating he worked in Wairoa for 4 years before heading to the UK to locum and travel for 2 years.
Upon returning to NZ he started work in Dannevirke, that was 13 years ago. Since then, he has married and had a family which he enjoys spending time with doing lots of outdoor activities including diving, hunting and fishing.
Simon enjoys all aspects of veterinary practice but his passion is helping farmers achieve a productive, sustainable and profitable farm system.
Veronika Pipe
Companion Animal Veterinarian Group Leader
Veronika has been a big part of the Vet Services team since 2016.
Originally from the Czech Republic, Veronika immigrated to New Zealand in 2005 and spent 12 years working in a busy companion animal practice in Christchurch. After her 2 boys were born, Veronika and husband Johnny moved the Hawke’s Bay to be closer to family.
Veronika is an excellent leader and played a big role in the design, functionality and fit out of our new clinic.
Her special interests include small mammal veterinary care and ultrasonography. In 2021, Veronika completed her Masters of Veterinary Medicine specialising in ultrasonography.
Arron Scoble
Retail Group Manager
Arron is the Retail Group Manager at Vet Services Hawke’s Bay, where he works closely with production animal clients, veterinary staff, and supplier companies. He re-joined Vet Services in February 2016, having previously worked with the Hastings team in the early 2000s.
Between his roles at Vet Services, Arron built extensive experience in the rural banking sector, following his early career in a farm merchandise store in Waipukurau. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, playing Wednesday night tennis, and following a wide range of sports.
Jess Nielson
Operation & Administration Group Manager
Jess has been a valued member of the Vet Services team since 2004. Over the years, her role has evolved from veterinary nurse to Head Nurse, and now to her current position as Operations and Administration Manager.
With a deep understanding of both clinical and administrative functions, Jess works across our five clinics, supporting business operations, mentoring staff, and helping to ensure the smooth delivery of services for both clients and their pets.
Outside of work, Jess enjoys spending time with her family and pets, and making the most of the Hawke’s Bay sunshine and beaches.
Liz Cameron
Financial Controller
Liz is the Financial Controller for the Vet Services Hawke’s Bay, where she oversees all financial operations to ensure the organisation’s ongoing fiscal health. A qualified Chartered Accountant, Liz brings a wealth of experience and a strategic mindset to the role. She is responsible for budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, and plays a key role in guiding the financial decisions of the group. Her background in financial analysis and cost management helps optimise performance and support long-term growth.
Outside of work, Liz enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She keeps active with gym sessions, running, swimming, and walking Te Mata Peak. A lover of good books and great coffee, Liz also enjoys catching up with friends and family.
Fun fact: Liz adopted a cat during her first week at Vet Services—talk about embracing the culture!
Louise Humphreys
Business Services Manager
Louise joined the Vet Services Team as our Business Services Manager in 2022. With a background in Accounting & Rural Banking the job held lots of appeal to Louise as it combined two of her favourite things, working with animals and numbers.
Louise enjoys being part of a large, diverse team who have a lot of fun. As an added bonus, she learns something new every day from working with such highly skilled people.
In her spare time, you’ll find Louise on farm where her family breed the most gorgeous Simmental Cows and hanging out with Hazel Humphreys, her Jack Russell.
Richard McKenzie
Equine Veterinarian Group Leader
Richard first joined the Vet Services team in 1989, originally arriving for a three-month locum—but ended up staying for three years. He then spent four years abroad, working in mixed-breed and equine practices across the UK, before returning to our Hastings clinic with a strong focus on equine work.
Today, around 90% of Richard’s day is dedicated to horses of all sizes and disciplines. He has particular interests in performance horses, equine lameness, radiography, and reproduction.
Outside of work, Richard enjoys spending time with his partner, children, and thoroughbred horses. When time allows, he also enjoys swimming, fishing, and offering some armchair commentary on rugby and racing.