Managing Director Peter Southerden retires after 35 years with Eastcott

Peter Southerden, an RCVS and European specialist in veterinary dentistry, has stepped down as managing director of Eastcott Veterinary Referrals after an amazing 35 years with the business.

After graduating from the University of Liverpool in 1984, Pete and his wife Ibby bought the Eastcott site three years later, when he was 25.

Since then, the site has grown from a single-handed small animal practice into a tier three veterinary hospital employing around 200 staff.

Pete led the development of its dentistry division – one of only a handful of facilities of its kind in the UK – and has also served as chairperson of the European Veterinary Dental College, as well as teaching regular courses.

 “I have had an extremely interesting, varied, stimulating and exciting career, and I look back with nothing but fond memories of it all and consider myself extremely lucky to be able to do so.

“I don’t think either one of us foresaw how successful the hospital would become, but I could not have done it without the support of my wife Ibby and am grateful to have had her by my side through it all.

“There are exciting times ahead and I look forward to spending more time with my family, and taking up those activities and hobbies I just didn’t have time to commit to before.”

Duncan Barnes, Eastcott’s clinical director, said the development of the “agile and resilient practice” was one of Pete’s greatest achievements.

He added: “It has been an honour and a pleasure to work with Peter. He has been an inspirational leader, and has always strived to help and assist those around him to fulfil their potential and thrive.

“His passion for veterinary dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery means he has made enormous contributions to the veterinary profession and the welfare of the countless patients that he has treated.”