Rob Williams elected BVA president
"We need to capture this future and embrace it." - Rob Williams.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Rob Williams as its president from 2025-2026.
He began his presidency at this year’s BVA Day on 25 September, also introducing his presidential theme: ‘Shaping the profession of the future’.
Dr Williams is a graduate of the University of Dublin School of Veterinary Medicine, receiving an RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Surgery in 2001. In a career of almost 25 years, he has worked as a small animal veterinary surgeon in general and referral practice, as well as undertaking the clinical director role at a hospital in York.
He is also a HR professional, holding an MBA from York Business School. His management roles have focused on graduate programmes management, colleague engagement and career development.
Dr Williams has been involved with many organisations, including as a member of BVA’s Member Benefits Committee, board member for the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons and member of the RCVS VetGDP sub-committee.
In his inaugural speech, Dr Williams addressed a number of topics that would impact the veterinary industry during his academic year.
Among the topics discussed was the ongoing CMA investigation, which is due to release new findings in the coming weeks. He voiced his belief that the forthcoming remedy decision would impact the whole profession, particularly mixed animal practice.
He similarly discussed the potential reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act. He said that, while the change could be challenging, BVA members should not lose sight of the long-term benefits.
Dr Williams also addressed the risk of novel animal diseases being imported into the country. This posed many questions for the veterinary profession, he said, such as its readiness to collectively combat such outbreaks.
He said: “The challenges I described can be met and by doing so our profession will (…) be a profession ready to leap the many unknown hurdles we will face over the coming years and decades.
“The future is already here; in some veterinary practices, in the spirit, ingenuity and endeavour of many veterinary surgeons working today; we need to capture this future and embrace it.”
Following her term as BVA president, specialist wildlife veterinary surgeon Elizabeth Mullineaux now takes the role of senior vice president. Meanwhile farm veterinary surgeon and academic Gwenllian Mair Rees has been elected as junior vice president.
Image © BVA
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