Inverness former star pupil lands leading vet post
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A FORMER dux of Inverness Royal Academy has been appointed to one of the biggest roles in the veterinary world.
Alistair Cliff is now group chief veterinary officer with IVC Evidensia, a vast corporate supplier of veterinary care which operates in 11 European countries.
He qualified at the Royal School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh in 2007, and following a brief period in mixed practice in North Yorkshire, he returned to his home town to join the team at Crown Vets.
In 2012 he became a director, joining IVC (now IVC Evidensia) in 2013. The following year he founded Crown Vets Referrals after obtaining the RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice.
He chaired the UK Clinical Board at IVC from 2015 to 2019 and represents the UK and Ireland on the IVC Evidensia Group Veterinary Medical Board, where ideas and initiatives are shared among European colleagues. With his new appointment, he has made the transition from clinical to operational work.
Group CEO Steve Clarke said: “We are delighted to appoint Alistair into this new role. He has shown his ability and effectiveness on both national and international clinical boards, providing vital guidance to thousands of vets across Europe, most recently during the Covid-19 pandemic which continues to affect all the countries we operate in.”
Mr Cliff said although his job will involve considerable international travel, Covid permitting, he does not find it a problem to remain in the Highlands, where he has a home in Culbokie.
He added: “I am humbled to be given this opportunity by the company and am looking forward to spearheading some really exciting projects over the coming months. Given our size and scale we have a real opportunity to introduce initiatives that positively impact tens of thousands of staff, clients and their pets across Europe.”
